“English o Español?”: The Historic (Latin) Performances at Coachella 2023

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you do not speak Spanish I don’t know what you are waiting for. No more excuses, get your Rosetta Stone out and play Bad Bunny, Rosalia and Becky G at full volume! So the next time you go to Coachella and Bad Bunny asks “what you prefer, me talking in English o hablando en Español?” You can shout ESPAÑOOOOL! 

Courtesy of Jenn Five by NME

I read somewhere that Latin music is on the rise, but I disagree. Latin music has been on the rise and it’s just getting the recognition it deserves as it is reaching heights never before seen. 

Need more incentive to learn Spanish? The RIAA reported just a few weeks ago that Latin music’s revenues in 2022 amount to $1.1 billion dollars, a genre that is growing at a faster rate than any other music market. No surprise then that Bad Bunny became, for the third time in a row, the most streamed artist of 2022 in Spotify and just 4 days ago Benito became the first Spanish-singing artist to headline Coachella’s main stage. 

California’s population is made up of 39.8% Hispanics, so it's been a long time coming that a festival that takes place in a majority Spanish-speaking community has a Latin artist headlining its biggest yearly event. 

Courtesy of Vogue Mexico

Like I said, Latin music has been around since forever, back in 1999 when Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival debuted at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles played. Followed by many other Spanish-language artists like Manu Chao who played in 2007, Tijuana’s Nortec Collective in 2001, Mon Laferte in 2017 which was also the year J Balvin became the first Latin artist to perform in the main stage. 

Sadly, this year the amount of Latin performers isn’t as high as last years but Benito Antonio Ocasio Martinez headlined what will probably go down as the most spectacular Coachella closing show and my all time favorite, Rosalia, brought her MOTOMAMI concept to the desert for her energized and emotional presentation. Other Latin performers include Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Becky G, Kali Uchis, Natti Natasha and DannyLux. 

Let’s get into their iconic performances!

I have to start with our MOTOMAMI queen; Rosalia. Setting foot on the festival's main stage last Saturday, assembling her iconic white canvas tour set as motor engines started to go off. The Barcelona native artist stepped out in a head-to-toe Acne Studios look, a partnership that was recently announced as the Swedish brand will become Rosalia’s exclusive dresser. 

Courtesy of Getty by Europafm

The flamenco singer wore her iconic white helmet and a custom Acne Studios long sleeved, semi-sheared, vaporous, baby-pink blouse adorned with ribbons tied at the front, at the sides and at the sleeves inseams with ruffles that moved graciously as Rosalia stormed the stage. Balancing the soft, feminine top with what can only be described as MOTOMAMI skin-tight, black pants and wraparound huge black sunglasses. 

Courtesy of Numèro Netherlands

Becky G, who stood by her Mexican roots delivered an all-Spanish performance during her 45 minute set. She brought out special guests including Pesos Pluma, Natti Natasha and Marca MP spotlighting regional talents. 

The “Shower” singer wore two bedazzled ensembles, starting off with a matching electric blue, rhinestone embellished bikini top and bottom layered underneath deep-blue cargo pants paired with a cowboy hat in the same blue hue and white sneakers. Changing to another monochromatic sequined blue look, a halter mini dress and knee-high combat boots. Keeping up with Coachella goers hottest trends; monochromatic looks and cargo pants. 

Courtesy of Emma Mclntrye by Vogue Mexico

Later, at exactly 11:35 pm pst time Bad Bunny appeared at Coachella main stage. Headlining a nearly 2 hours long performance that included a stage resembling a gas station - a nod to his iconic Puerto Rico surprise performance - a video introduction and surprise guests. The 120,000 spectators witnessed the first Benito to ever headline the stage, but definitely not the last one.  “It’s incredible to see the list of all the other artists that have performed on this stage. So many of them, but no one like me,” he said. 

In his usual MO, Bad Bunny paid tribute to his beloved country, Puerto Rico, and got emotional as he introduced his song “El Apagón” which is a song that calls for action highlighting the privatization of Puerto Rico’s energy grid and injustices his home faces. He also brought onto stage Reggaeton duo Jowell & Randy to perform “Safaera” and Jhay Cortez to perform not 1 but  3 songs. 

For his historic performance the Reggaeton artist, who is known for exploring and playing up his style, went shirtless in a custom made, reflective patchwork puffer jacket by ERL which was styled by Storm La Tormenta. Perfect fit for a night out in the desert as the superstar engaged with his audience as he opened his heart and people danced. 

A historic Coachella that also saw the first ever K-pop band to headline the main stage. Rosè, Jennie, Jisoo and Lisa stunned everyone with their vocals, dance moves and presentation during Coachella weekend 1 night 2. BLACKPINK made history as “How You Like That” echoed throughout the Coachella valley. 

Thank you for reading. Now go learn Spanish!