Preserving Puerto Rican Culture: Los Pleneros de la Cresta's Journey to the Super Bowl Halftime Show
Los Pleneros de la Cresta had a remarkable opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Bad Bunny. They showcased their plena music talent to a massive audience and even backed Lady Gaga during a surprise salsa performance. The group, originating from Ciales, Puerto Rico, was thrilled to be part of such a significant event and is still processing the experience.
Their album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, pays homage to Puerto Rican genres like plena, which has historical roots in the town of Ponce. Plena emerged as a way for marginalized communities to share news and events, and Los Pleneros de la Cresta have been instrumental in keeping this genre alive through their passion and dedication. The group, consisting of twins Joshuan and Joseph Ocasio Rivera, their brother Jeyluix, and friend Josué Román Figueroa, has been active since 2013 and has released several albums.
Bad Bunny's collaboration with Los Pleneros de la Cresta on the track "CAFé CON RON" brought plena music to the forefront and garnered widespread attention. The song celebrates Puerto Rico's mountain towns and showcases the traditional plena sound without compromising its authenticity. This collaboration marked a significant moment for plena music and elevated the genre to a new level of recognition.
Los Pleneros de la Cresta view plena as a vital part of Puerto Rican culture and identity. They aim to promote and expand the genre, making it accessible to a broader audience worldwide. The group sees themselves as custodians of plena's rich history and heritage, striving to ensure its continued relevance and growth in the music industry. Their performance at the Super Bowl was a culmination of their mission to preserve and promote plena music.
The group's dedication to plena music goes beyond personal achievement; it is a commitment to honoring the traditions and communities that have shaped their art. They envision a future where plena music transcends borders and unites diverse communities worldwide. Los Pleneros de la Cresta are determined to play a significant role in preserving and promoting Puerto Rican culture through their music, ensuring that plena remains a vibrant and integral part of the island's identity.