The last time that Colombian superstar J. Balvin performed at RodeoHouston in 2018, the world was a vastly different place. This was a world pre-pandemic, still in The Donald’s first term in office, and many of today’s music stars were barely starting high school. Balvin’s collaborative album Oasis with Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny would be released a year later, the same year he would perform on the main stage at the Coachella music festival.
So it is sufficient to say that Balvin has grown up immensely since them. He is 40 years old now, and has a young son with his Argentine model wife. He is regarded as a fashion icon as well as a pioneer of the modern Reggaeton movement, combining elements of traditional rhythms with electronic dance music and Hip-Hop. Last night’s show was a statement of unity, pride and energy, filled with colorful backdrops and upbeat dancing.
Balvin’s stage featured a giant purple head at the front of the dj booth, and he emerged wearing an all red jersey and joggers outfit with the word “MEDELLIN” on the front, a tribute to his home in his native Colombia. He wore a singular black glove on his left hand, and designer sunglasses with gold chains dangling around his neck. One thing about Balvin is that he personifies cool, and definitely exudes main character energy.
The setlist began strong with “Mi Gente” and “Reggaeton,” two of his biggest hits, followed by his Colores trio of “Amarillo,” “Morado,” and “Azul.” The massive LED screen on the star stage flashed a rainbow of lights in tune with each track, and a bevy of backup dancers accompanied Balvin as he prowled around the large stage.
If opening night with Riley Green was a stripped down and subdued show, this was the exact opposite. Balvin’s high tempo performance with fireworks and pyrotechnics and dancers provided a much needed jolt to RodeoHouston, and everyone in the stands and upstairs in the press box were feeling the love and vibes of the event. “Sending love from Medellin to my people in Houston!” said Balvin. “Latino Gang!” he uttered to a loud applause of approval.
The sound is dialed in just right this year at RodeoHouston. Sometimes there are technical difficulties with the microphones and speakers on the star stage, but everything sounded so clear and full so far. (I hope I didn’t just jinx it!) The bass was especially felt last night, shaking the glass partitions from my point of view up in the press box.
“Que orgullo de ser Latino y hablar y cantar en Espaรฑol por todo el mundo” said Balvin during a break in the action. (So proud to be Latino and speak and sing in Spanish all over the world.) “And much love also to those that don’t speak Spanish and still support and love Latinos and our culture!”
At this point Balvin changed into jeans, boots, a tight white tee, and a cowboy hat, and this look was so great on him! It reminded me that there is a strong cowboy culture in Colombia, with many people living in rural areas of that country who ride horses and love traditional Colombian folk music as well as Mexican music. Check out Los Llaneros, Arrieros, and Chalanes, which are three different groups who live the cowboy lifestyle in Balvin’s native land.
Near the end of the set, Balvin debuted a new song called “Tonto,” which was a catchy tune with Ryab Castro and DJ Snake. It flips the sample of “Jump” by ’90s Hip Hop duo Kriss Kross.
And then it happened. Balvin rose up high on one of the legs of the star stage, and performed “La Cancion,” which just happens to be a crowd favorite and a personal favorite. He asked the everyone in the crowd to shine their cell phone lights towards the stage, and it was a truly magical moment.
Balvin encored with “RITMO,” Que Calor” and “In The Getto,” ending the night with a bang. This was definitely one of the best shows that I’ve experienced at RodeoHouston, and hope the success from last night leads to even more Latino artists on the Rodeo lineup in the future.
