The second and final day of the Motherland Festival took place yesterday, Sunday, and was just as organized and calm as the first day, despite being busier. Once again, the audience of people of all ages gathered at the Isla Verde Spa in Carolina to enjoy their favorite reggaeton artists.
On this occasion DJ Metro, VF7, Hozwal, Gigolo y la Exce, Luar la L, Blessd, DJ Negro, magic clown, dalex, Tego Calderon, Zion and Lenox. And as usual, reggaeton musicians were spotted collaborating on songs. Juliito, YovngChimi, Nesi and Chanell, among others, also featured as special guests on stage. In summary it was a very dynamic and complete show where we have to acknowledge Dalex as the only artist who brought a live band for his show.
On the other hand, Blessd from Colombia was the only artist from abroad. people like Raúl Barrea from Mexico; Jessica from San Francisco; and Jessica from California traveled to Puerto Rico to see this artist but also to enjoy the event in general, as they describe themselves as reggaeton fans. Raúl added that he’s also very keen to see Tego Calderón because “he’s a hard-to-reach legend,” citing the fact that he’s never been able to see him live.
Tego Calderón was responsible for closing the Motherland Festival. (Stephanie Rojas)In fact, the most anticipated presentation was that of Tego Calderón, who has been away from the stage for a long time, if not necessarily from the music. The audience cheered the “Abayarde”, as this artist is called, one of the pillars of reggaeton, who laid the foundation for the transformation of this music, contributing with unique rhythms and lyrics, but above all with approval.
Almost like an epiphany, Tego entered the stage with a graying afro and started his show with “Métele sazón”. The audience’s euphoria and love for the artist was so great that, although it started to rain, people enjoyed the rain and danced in the rain while the icon performed his greatest hits. Tego showed his experience and put on a good show on stage that delighted his audience waiting to see him sing live.
The Motherland Festival resumed for its second day this Sunday. (Stephanie Rojas)
The event took place at the Window to the Sea in the resort of Isla Verde. (Stephanie Rojas)
Thousands of reggaeton-loving attendees came to the event dedicated exclusively to the urban genre. (included)
On Saturday and Sunday, about 20 artists of the urban genre gathered on the stage facing the sea. (included)
Sunday’s music scene was marked by the return to the stage of Tego Calderón and Zion y Lennox, responsible for closing the festival. (Stephanie Rojas)
Participants had to provide proof of vaccination (Vacu ID) or a negative COVID-19 test. (included)
It was the first large outdoor mass event of 2022 in Puerto Rico following the easing of government measures against COVID 19. (Stephanie Rojas)
The festival wanted to be the spearhead for Puerto Rico to cement itself as the place where the major reggaeton festivals take place. (Stephanie Rojas)
Thousands of people came with a lot of style and flow to enjoy the music. (Stephanie Rojas)
Among the artists on Sunday were Gigolo and La Exce. (Stephanie Rojas)
There were also food, drink and drinking facilities on site with some fun stations. (Stephanie Rojas)
Other exponents of urban music present on Sunday were: Dalex, Casper Mágico, Blessd, Luar la L, VF7, Hozwal and DJ Metro. (included)
Young Garcia. (Stephanie Rojas)
Nio Garcia and Casper. (Stephanie Rojas)
Tego Calderon. (Stephanie Rojas)
Nio Garcia and Casper. (Stephanie Rojas)
Blessed. (Stephanie Rojas)
Tego Calderon. (Stephanie Rojas)
Zion and Lenox. (Stephanie Rojas)
Blessed. (Stephanie Rojas)
Kasper. (Stephanie Rojas)
Blessed. (Stephanie Rojas)
Tego Calderon. (Stephanie Rojas)
Artists such as Tego Calderón and Zion y Lenox, among others, reflect the important footprint of Afro-descendants in this genre.
In this sense, Enyel C, an artist who has just started his new music project “Angelito”, commented to this medium that although he has never seen Tego live, he has always served as an inspiration for his music. “Tego inspires me in Puerto Ricanness, blackness and the culture he carries. I feel like it’s the most important thing for him,” said the 22-year-old exponent, adding, “…he was really impressed and even more so when it started raining I feel like he (Tego ) on was the stage with the spirits and gods accompanying him”.
During his presentation, Tego expressed: “We invented that (reggaeton). Respect so you know ‘…” as a possible answer to the debates about the origins of reggaeton, which have always existed but have recently gained momentum on social networks. His powerful and precise pronouncements go hand-in-hand with the Motherland Festival’s proposition that Puerto Rico is the motherland of reggaeton and the reason this type of event should be held here – more than anywhere else – is to celebrate our artists and our music to enjoy, but above all to give it the value that corresponds to them.