Bad Bunny Pays Tribute to Salsa Legend Willie Colón at São Paulo Concert

The Puerto Rican superstar honored the late musician during his performance in Brazil.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Bad Bunny paused his concert in São Paulo, Brazil, to pay tribute to the legendary salsa musician Willie Colón, who passed away at the age of 75 in New York City. Colón was a pioneer in the salsa genre, known for hit songs like "Ché Ché Colé" and "Aguanile" recorded with Héctor Lavoe, as well as the album "Siembra" with Rubén Blades, which became the biggest-selling salsa album of all time. Bad Bunny mourned Colón's death and celebrated his lasting impact on Latin music, telling the crowd that Colón's inspiration will live on through talented young artists.

Why it matters

Willie Colón was a towering figure in the history of salsa music, helping to expand and politicize the genre while taking it to new audiences around the world. His death is a major loss for the Latin music community, and Bad Bunny's tribute highlights Colón's enduring influence on contemporary artists.

The details

During his concert in São Paulo, Bad Bunny paused the show to acknowledge Colón's passing earlier that day. In a video shared on social media, Bad Bunny is heard telling the crowd (in Spanish): "Today, one of the legends who contributed to this beautiful and legendary genre passed away. So, on behalf of myself and Los Sobrinos, we wish Willie Colón peace. Much strength to his family. The inspiration of so many of these great musicians who left their mark on this earth will never die as long as there are talented young people like those here, keeping the music, salsa and all Caribbean rhythms alive."

  • Willie Colón passed away on February 21, 2026 in New York City.
  • Bad Bunny paid tribute to Colón during his concert in São Paulo, Brazil on February 21, 2026.

The players

Bad Bunny

A Puerto Rican superstar and one of the leading artists in Latin music today.

Willie Colón

A legendary salsa musician and trombonist who was a pioneer in expanding and politicizing the salsa genre.

Héctor Lavoe

A renowned Puerto Rican salsa singer who collaborated extensively with Willie Colón.

Rubén Blades

A Panamanian singer-songwriter who formed a legendary duo with Willie Colón and recorded the best-selling salsa album of all time, "Siembra".

Celia Cruz

A Cuban-American singer known as the "Queen of Salsa" who recorded the album "Celia and Willie" with Colón.

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What they’re saying

“Today, one of the legends who contributed to this beautiful and legendary genre passed away. So, on behalf of myself and Los Sobrinos, we wish Willie Colón peace. Much strength to his family. The inspiration of so many of these great musicians who left their mark on this earth will never die as long as there are talented young people like those here, keeping the music, salsa and all Caribbean rhythms alive.”

— Bad Bunny (Instagram)

“Personally, your art inspired and guided me: it taught me that culture can also be modern, that creativity has no limits, that popular music can be sophisticated, and that music, when made with truth, lasts forever.”

— Rauw Alejandro (Instagram)

“We are heartbroken by the passing of an icon whose sound transcended the dance floor and defined an era. A pillar of Fania Records, Willie helped bring Latin music from the streets of New York to audiences around the world. His music declared identity, pride, resistance, and joy. His music was not just heard; it was lived.”

— Fania Records (Statement)

What’s next

Fans and fellow artists are expected to continue paying tribute to Willie Colón and celebrating his lasting legacy in the days and weeks to come.

The takeaway

Willie Colón's pioneering work in the salsa genre left an indelible mark on Latin music, inspiring generations of artists and fans. Bad Bunny's heartfelt tribute during his São Paulo concert underscores Colón's enduring influence and the profound impact he had on the music he helped shape.