To be a part of the crowd at Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour as part of his London stop playing to a sold out crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was to witness something truly special. It should come as no surprise that the Puerto Rican superstar put on a show that surpassed any sort of expectation anybody would have seeing him live. The sneak peaks given from his 2 month No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí Puerto Rican Residency which took place last year and then again earlier this year as part of his incredible Super-Bowl Halftime Show performance indicated that this tour was going to be worth attending and a show not missing.

In support of his latest GRAMMY Award winning album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS he came out and brought the album to life in a way that was exceptional and then some. The show which ran for a total of 3 hours felt more of a party and celebration than something which had been crafted specifically for the show. Yet there was an intentionality behind the whole show and everything he brought.

Beginning the show on the main stage donning a suit which considering the previous heatwave that has swept across Europe was a brave move. He was accompanied by his Salsa band behind him, one of the many displays of his cultural heritage he brought to the show. Not to mention the strong musicianship that each of the players brought to stage. 

There was something to be said about the fact throughout the entire show he only spoke in Spanish and even though most of the crowd would’ve been Spanish speaking even for those who weren't there was nothing that felt disconnected as you could very much feel and hear the sentiment as to what was being said. For the reality of him being a boy coming from Puerto Rico and finding himself on stadium shows around the world it was very clear that that moment and this particular moment in his career is one for the books. The album which is so clearly rooted in his love for Puerto Rico and the cultural heritage it has brought to his artistry and his fans not only locally but internationally across the world. The show was a beautiful display of that and felt like the witness of a moment that will forever be significant to his career.

The setlist was also a strong display of the catalogue of music he has built throughout his career since his almost decade long appearance with the release of his debut album back in 2018. Whilst the show was heavily consistent with tracks off DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS he brought out favourites and other songs from his catalogue. Crafting the show from start to finish there was rarely a moment to sit down and take a break as the energy rose from start to finish. Starting on the main stage which set the introduction of the vibes. The show began with  LA MuDANZA off the album before going into a Salsa version of “Callaíta” he was also joined by opening act Chuwi for their collaborative track “WELTiTA” which they had previously played during their own headline show that took place on Friday night. Giving an ode to their surroundings They played Wonderwall by Oasis as an instrumental on the Cuatro before going into to TURiSTA. Plenty of favourites had their time on the setlist including BAILE INoLVIDABLE, NUEVAYoL, VeLDÁ, VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR and of course the standout song DtMF. Also bringing through his other fan favourites was “ LA CANCION" off his joint project with J Balvin, Ni bien ni mal which was an exclusive for this show. DÁKITI and even had a guest appearance by Blur and Gorillaz man Damon who joined him on the piano for Tormenta and Clint Eastwood. Even with the show that ran for 2 hours and 45 minutes tracks that were missed meant it could have kept going for longer. 

The production and everything that accompanied the music only served to enhance the experience as well. Before fans entered the stadium those that arrived when doors opened were given a piece of memorabilia which was a cut out of a camera fitted with a light that served as the flash on a lanyard which lit up at various points throughout the show. Not the mention the dancers who also accompanied him on stage. His second stage which also known as “La Caista” and is a full scale pink replica of a traditional working class Puerto Rican home also brought that flare as a space which housed VIPs and fans who were immersed within the show with him performing among them as he stunted in a full Adidas hoodie and shorts combination and using its roof as another stage. 

One thing that is evident and prominent is the connection that he has to his fans. As well as being immersed within them he also took the time to greet those that were at the barriers and not just just giving quickfire interactions but holding a meaningful connection that clearly meant something. By way of translation he addressed the crowd many times throughout the show expressing his love and gratitude and speaking about uplifting each other living in the moment, loving each other and ourselves. As well as embracing and enjoying the moments of life and creating memories and moments which captures the essence of the themes and messages addressed on the album. 

As this moment stands with the release of the album and all that followed by way of the residency, winning the GRAMMY for Album of the Year, a historic Super Bowl Half-time Show and now the DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour. It truly does feel like this is a special and significant moment in his career. And as crowds cheered Benito following DtMF he was visibly emotional and taken in with all the love he received from the crowd. Bad Bunny is truly in a league of his own and best believe we will be present the next time he touches down in the UK which hopefully won't be for too long. 

CREDIT ERIC ROJAS