Los Pleneros de la Cresta, a vibrant musical ensemble rooted in Puerto Rican tradition, recently captivated a global audience of millions by performing at the Super Bowl halftime show alongside superstar Bad Bunny and special guest Lady Gaga. This monumental achievement marks a significant milestone for the group and the folkloric genre of plena, propelling it into an unprecedented international spotlight. For these musicians, who have diligently worked for over a decade to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, this event represents not just a personal triumph but a powerful validation of plena music's enduring spirit and cultural importance.
Puerto Rican Plena Takes Center Stage at the Super Bowl
On a memorable Sunday, February 11, 2026, Los Pleneros de la Cresta, a quartet comprising brothers Joshuan, Joseph, Jeyluix Ocasio Rivera, and their close friend Josué Román Figueroa, experienced a dream come true. Hailing from the modest Puerto Rican town of Ciales, they joined global sensation Bad Bunny for his electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance. The group showcased their unique blend of traditional plena rhythms on two tracks from Bad Bunny’s album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos: the title track 'DtMF' and their collaborative hit 'CAFé CON RON.' Their performance, which reached an astounding 128.2 million viewers, also included an unexpected collaboration with Lady Gaga, providing backing vocals for a salsa-infused rendition of her song 'Die with a Smile.'
Joshuan Ocasio Rivera, a founding member, expressed profound awe at the experience, stating it was a moment they are still trying to comprehend. He highlighted the honor of performing alongside such global icons and witnessing Lady Gaga embrace salsa music. Bad Bunny’s album, Debi Tirar Mas Fotos, is a tribute to Puerto Rico's indigenous music, particularly plena, a genre originating in the early 1900s in Ponce. Plena traditionally served as a musical newspaper for marginalized communities, conveying news and events through spirited rhythms played on panderetas and güiros. Though often associated with holiday festivities, Los Pleneros de la Cresta have championed its year-round relevance since their formation in 2013 at the University of Puerto Rico. Their consistent efforts, including three albums and numerous performances across the island, culminated in their collaboration with Bad Bunny on 'CAFé CON RON,' an anthem celebrating Puerto Rico's central mountain regions.
The group conveyed a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility, recognizing that their Super Bowl appearance was not merely a personal achievement but a monumental step for plena music. They view plena as a 'living flag,' a vibrant symbol of Puerto Rican identity, honoring those who sustained the tradition through generations of challenges. Jeyluix emphasized their aspiration to expand plena's reach globally, making it accessible to diverse audiences and solidifying its place alongside other popular Latin genres. This historic Super Bowl performance not only honored their past but also paved a promising path for plena's future, demonstrating its dynamic potential to unite communities worldwide.
The remarkable journey of Los Pleneros de la Cresta and their performance at the Super Bowl offers a powerful testament to the enduring power of cultural authenticity and unwavering dedication. In an industry often dominated by commercial trends, their commitment to preserving and revitalizing plena, a traditional Puerto Rican genre, showcases that genuine artistry can transcend niche appeal and capture global attention. Their success highlights the importance of supporting indigenous art forms and recognizing their capacity to connect people across diverse backgrounds. It inspires artists to stay true to their roots, reminding us that cultural heritage is a wellspring of innovation and universal appeal, capable of finding its way to the grandest stages.