Students in LMU’s “Bad Bunny” Course Experience Music, Resistance, and Puerto Rican Identity at Residente Concert

On October 26, students attended Residente's concert at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles as part of a unique LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts course titled "Bad Bunny and Resistance in Puerto Rico." The course, taught by Vanessa Díaz, an associate professor of Chicana/o and Latina/or studies, explores the intersections of music, politics, and identity through the lens of prominent artists like Bad Bunny and Residente and illustrates how firsthand experiences can enhance classroom learning.

"My course is about more than just Bad Bunny; it's about Puerto Rico and its history of resistance to U.S. colonialism and the relationship of artists to that history," said Díaz. "While we may be far from Puerto Rico, we have the chance to engage with some of the most important Puerto Rican artists of our time here in Los Angeles. When our students experience the material they're learning about in real life, it completely transforms the educational experience."

Professor Díaz and her students began studying Residente's work in the fourth week of class. The course delves into Puerto Rican political resistance, exploring pivotal moments in the island's history, including the mass protests in 2019 that saw artists like Residente and Bad Bunny stand alongside protesters.

The students analyzed the song "Afilando los Cuchillos" ("Sharpening the Knoves") released by Residente, Bad Bunny, and iLe in response to these protests, during which people took to the streets demanding the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. Through an NPR podcast, in-depth lyric analysis, and discussions on the role of artists in social movements, Díaz's students gained a strong understanding of the historical contexts from which Residente's music emerged.

In the week before the concert, students explored topics related to race, gender, and sexuality in reggaetón and Residente's long-standing support for LGBTQ+ rights-a theme that resonated strongly during the concert.

For Anna McDonnell '25, film and television production major and screenwriting minor, the concert experience was transformational and illustrated how music can be both art and activism. "I don't speak Spanish, but Residente challenges us to look beyond the lyrics and appreciate the musicality," she said. "He mentioned the violence in Gaza and expressed his support for the independence party in Puerto Rico. Experiencing the concert together after studying how Residente uses his platform to advocate for change was a full-circle moment for our class. His performance transcends mere words; it was a powerful art piece."

One of the core themes of the "Bad Bunny and Resistance" course is the idea that music can be a creative and powerful form of resistance. Professor Díaz integrates these lessons into her broader teaching philosophy about addressing inequality and injustice. "We discuss various ways people can resist injustice, including using their unique talents. I use examples of artists, songs, and protests to encourage students to expand their ideas about how they, too, can resist injustice," said Díaz. "This aligns with the core mission of LMU and Ignatian spirituality more broadly."

Sydney Díaz '26, psychology and Spanish majors, noted how the crowd's energy aligned with the message of the music. "It was truly a moving experience to see how both the artist and the crowd came together to sing songs of resistance," she said. "Resistance is what our class is about. Bad Bunny and Residente are artists of resistance, and our class allows us to be part of the narrative and spark change in Puerto Rico and the U.S."

For Peter Molaro '26, recording arts major, who doesn't speak Spanish, the concert provided a unique opportunity to understand the depth of Residente's performance through visual and sonic cues. "Residente's dual identity, represented by his two podiums labeled 'Residente' [his artist name] and 'Rene' [his actual name] felt like a celebration of his past and present works," Molaro reflected. "This concert was unique, reflecting Residente's long history in music and what his work signifies in the broader context of Puerto Rican and Latin American culture and politics. Hearing songs like 'This is Not America,' combined with visuals like the drawing of South America, with Residente passionately rapping with his eyes shut, conveyed a very clear message about his principles. Residente seeks truth, a true affirmation of identity within reggaetón, advocates for independence, and promotes respect for his brothers and sisters, spreading love for all cultures through his music and message."

The timing of the students' concert experience was particularly significant given the current political climate in Puerto Rico. This year, for the first time in Puerto Rican history, the independence candidate, José Luis Dalmau, was polling in a dead heat with the statehood party candidate in the governor elections. Advocating for Puerto Rico's independence has been a risky endeavor in the past, especially because the U.S. government has previously outlawed advocating for independence in any way, including displaying the Puerto Rican flag anywhere, even in one's own home. Yet, the tide seems to be shifting, with more Puerto Ricans embracing the conversation about independence than ever before. Both Residente and Bad Bunny publicly supported Dalmau during the campaign, underscoring the relevance of their music in the political landscape of Puerto Rico.

For Jesus Estrada '25, theology and Spanish majors, another student in the class, attending the concert was a way to connect the dots between the music he had been studying and the ongoing struggles for a freer and more independent Puerto Rico. "Attending the concert allowed me to weave in all I have been learning in my class about Puerto Rico's struggle and resistance for liberation," Estrada said. "To witness in real-time an artist who uses their platform as a tool for social change, and who through music mobilizes people to take action and become civically engaged was an incredible experience. Residente's commitment to Puerto Rico's liberation was solidified once more when, at the end of the concert, he screamed, 'Vive Puerto Rico libre!'

The LMU students who attended Residente's concert will likely carry this experience with them for years to come, not only as fans of music but as engaged citizens. "I am really proud when I see students take the knowledge they get in class out into the world and talk about really difficult realities with other students, friends, and family," said Díaz. LMU's partnership with the LA Rams has made this valuable learning opportunity possible for these students, further enhancing their ability to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

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