Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show in California. He will make history as the first Latino male solo artist to lead the NFL’s biggest stage.
But his inclusion has sparked fierce political debate in the United States. This underscores both the cultural power of music and the global conversations it can ignite.
BAD BUNNY TO HEADLINE THE SUPER BOWL
The National Football League (NFL) announced that Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, will perform at Levi’s Stadium on 8 February 2026.
While the choice highlights the league’s growing commitment to connect with Latino audiences in Latin America, it has triggered strong backlash from Donald Trump supporters.
They accuse the artist of being “anti-ICE” due to his criticism of US immigration raids, according to Forbes.
SUPER BOWL PETITION AND ICE
Rumours also circulated online that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones petitioned to remove him from the show, but these reports were false.
The controversy deepened when a homeland security adviser confirmed that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers would patrol the stadium.
This move was criticised by many who saw it as an unnecessary attempt to politicise entertainment, according to AP News.
THE LATINO CULTURE
Supporters, including Bruno Mars and Roc Nation’s Jay-Z, praised Bad Bunny’s booking. They described it as a powerful moment for Puerto Rico and Latino culture, according to Hindustan Times.
Bad Bunny’s decision to perform primarily in Spanish, rather than adapt to English for commercial success, mirrors the importance of cultural authenticity in global markets.
Much like how South African musicians balance international appeal with isiZulu, isiXhosa, or Afrikaans lyrics. His influence shows that embracing local heritage can lead to worldwide success.
BAD BUNNY’S IMPACT
Economically, the impact is also striking. His recent residency in Puerto Rico attracted half a million visitors and generated around $733 million, equivalent to nearly R13.8 billion, for the island.
This model demonstrates how concerts can strengthen tourism economies.
As the NFL leans on music stars like Bad Bunny to tap new audiences, South Africans can see the ripple effects of how sport, music, and identity collide.
The Super Bowl may be American, but its cultural impact is truly global, and it is one South Africa could learn from as it positions its own artists on the world stage.