Los Pleneros De La Cresta have carved a unique path in the music world, bringing with them the vibrant sounds of Puerto Rican culture. Known for their dynamic performances and rich musical heritage, they recently stepped into the limelight at the Super Bowl halftime show, backing global superstars like Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga. This once-local band has quickly gained international recognition, breathing new life into the genre known as plena.
The Super Bowl Spotlight
Last Sunday, Los Pleneros de la Cresta took to the grandest stage of their careers. Performing alongside Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl halftime show, they showcased their hit “DtMF” and pleased audiences with their collaboration “CAFé CON RON.” Millions of viewers were treated to a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga, who performed a salsa rendition of “Die with a Smile,” with the backing of Los Pleneros, marking a pivotal moment in their journey.
For the musicians from Ciales, Puerto Rico, this wasn’t just another performance. “It was one of those moments we’re still processing,” shared Joshuan Ocasio Rivera. Singing backup for Lady Gaga in English for the first time was a memorable experience, especially as they watched her embrace salsa. “It was truly iconic for us,” Joshuan added.
Preserving and Propelling Plena
Plena is a genre deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture, originating in the early 1900s in Ponce. Historically, it served as a medium for marginalized communities to communicate news and events, enriched by instruments like panderetas and güiros. Los Pleneros de la Cresta have been pivotal in keeping this tradition alive, merging the old with the new through their music and performances.
The band, consisting of twins Joshuan and Joseph Ocasio Rivera, their brother Jeyluix, and friend Josué Román Figueroa, began their musical journey at the University of Puerto Rico in 2013. Since their inception, they have released three albums, with their most recent coming just months before their Super Bowl triumph. Their commitment to plena extends beyond music festivals; they have performed at significant political events, like the Puerto Rico Independence Party campaign.
Collaboration with Bad Bunny
When Bad Bunny aimed to elevate plena into the mainstream, he turned to Los Pleneros. Their collaborative track “CAFé CON RON” vividly celebrates Puerto Rico’s mountain towns and has become one of the standout hits on his album. “We were speechless,” Joshuan recalled. “It felt like plena music was finally reaching the space it truly deserves.” The track, embracing traditional plena sounds, quickly climbed the streaming charts, catapulting them into the spotlight.
Plena has occasionally brushed with mainstream success, notably in Ricky Martin’s 2006 hit “Pégate.” However, “CAFé CON RON” solidified its status, captivating audiences and sharing the spotlight with more well-known Latin genres.
A Commitment to Culture
To Los Pleneros de la Cresta, plena is more than music; it’s a crucial thread of Puerto Rican identity. As Joshuan passionately explains, they see it as “a living flag,” honoring those who have upheld it through the years. Their mission is to elevate plena alongside genres like salsa, bachata, and merengue. “We’re at a wonderful moment for independent projects to establish themselves,” Joshuan noted, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation.
The Super Bowl appearance was a culmination of their mission. For Los Pleneros de la Cresta, keeping plena alive goes hand in hand with maintaining cultural identity. “We carried history, identity, and a piece of Puerto Rico with us,” Joshuan reflected.
As Jeyluix succinctly put it, “We want to be facilitators so that plena continues to expand into more and more spaces.” Their vision is to make this vibrant genre accessible to audiences worldwide, uniting communities through the power of music.
