Bad Bunny delivers explosive latin trap in San Francisco

March 4, 2024, 11:37 p.m.

Editor’s Note: This article is a review and includes subjective opinions, thoughts and critiques.

Emerging on stage through rolling fog, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio or Bad Bunny gave an electrifying and unforgettable performance at his Most Wanted Tour on Saturday night in San Francisco.

As the artist stepped onstage at the Chase Center, anticipatory strings built excitement among audience members, while the atmosphere crackled with energy.

The Most Wanted Tour is Puerto Rican rapper and singer-songwriter Bad Bunny’s fifth concert tour, launched as he promotes his fifth studio album, “nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana” (“Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow” in Spanish).

The tour features 47 dates across 31 cities in North America, showcasing Bad Bunny’s trap-inspired music to his dedicated fan base. 

The opening performance featured a unique orchestral arrangement by the 24-member Philharmonic Orchestra Project, led by Grammy-winning conductor Carlitos Lopez. The orchestral suite lasted approximately nine minutes, creating a cinematic atmosphere in the venue as anticipation built. 

Bad Bunny entered in a black suit and a head scarf that partially covered his features before opening the concert with a Drake-adjacent lament on celebrity insecurity, “NADIE SABE.” His performance sustained the energy of audience members as he took over the stage, with pyrotechnics and dynamic colorful lights extending to the back of the stadium.

With the crowd already hyped, the rest of Bad Bunny’s show testified to his musicianship and affinity for performance. The concert was divided into four acts during which Bad Bunny changed outfits and shifted his location on the stage. The crowd’s energy reached its peak as the artist delved into his more familiar hits like “Efecto” and “25/8” during acts two and four.

One standout moment occurred when Bad Bunny showcased vulnerability in a heartfelt acoustic rendition of “GRACIAS POR NADA” while seated atop a piano. His vocals were pure and precise, demonstrating his skillful vocal training and adding depth to his emotional expression. This performance highlighted Bad Bunny’s versatility as an artist, forging a more personal connection with his audience and serving as a stark contrast to his other high-energy songs like “MONACO” and “CYBERTRUCK.”

Bad Bunny’s stage presence was magnetic as he seamlessly shifted between tough and playful personas, captivating the audience with his blustery rap verses and melodic vocals. His explosive performances, seamless transitions and genuine interactions with fans remain unmatched. He engaged with fans throughout the arena, frequently moving around the stage, waving to different sections of the crowd and acknowledging signs and messages from audience members.

The concert was full of surprises; Bad Bunny once returned to the stage while riding on the back of a live horse as a nod to the illustrated Wild West scene depicted on the album cover of “nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana.” 

Being the performer he is, Bad Bunny had some other tricks up his sleeves — false endings. Just when it seemed like the show was over, Bad Bunny returned for an encore, much to the crowd’s delight. The artist skillfully maintained momentum, delivering an exhilarating finale with hits like “La Jumpa” and “Me Porto Bonito.” Even after concluding his encore, the musician left everyone yearning for more.

While some fans may have been disappointed not to hear “Tití Me Preguntó” — one of Bad Bunny’s biggest hits and my personal favorite — the evening was still a remarkable experience filled with fantastic music and unforgettable moments. 

Charlotte Kearns '27 is an Arts & Life staff writer interested in theater and music performance. In her free time, she enjoys listening to early 2000s music and drinking matcha boba with her roommate.

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