Noelia Went to Bad Bunny’s Residency and Represented for Every Afro Latina Watching

When Noelia Mejia (@Curlelia) stepped into El Choli for Bad Bunny’s sold-out residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico, it wasn’t just about the music. It was a celebration of cultura, legacy, and visibility. Thanks to a special partnership between Society18 and LatiNation, Noelia had the opportunity to represent Afro-Latina creators on one of the world’s biggest stages.

“Being invited to Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico wasn’t just a concert, it was a cultural shift,” Noelia shared . “It was a moment that reminded me how powerful we are as a community. And LatiNation didn’t just give me access, they gave me a seat at the table and a chance to fully show up as an Afro Latina creator who deeply loves this culture.”

 

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The journey started in New York and landed in the vibrant heart of San Juan. Noelia documented the full experience, from champagne toasts on a boat to indulging in Puerto Rican cuisine and vibing with locals at bars and restaurants. Every frame of the video was soaked in joy, pride, and celebration. As she said, “To me, my presence meant something. I didn’t just attend, I represented, for the girls watching, for the ones coming next, and, most importantly, for my younger self.”

Then came the night of the concert. “The music, the lights, the energy… you could feel it in your chest. Thousands of voices singing, dancing, connecting,” Noelia recalled. “I swear, it wasn’t just a concert. It was pride, it was our stories, and our voices amplified.”

From dancing and singing every lyric with friends, drink in hand, to letting the power of Benito’s lyrics wash over the crowd, the experience was unforgettable. She continued, “I’m so grateful that LatiNation made this possible, and I’m so honored to have them as a part of my story. This night reminded me that we are not just part of the culture: we are the culture. And that feeling stays with you long after the music fades.”

“This night was more than a concert, it was culture, comunidad, and legacy. So grateful to @latinationmedia for making it possible. Más que fotos… this one’s for the soul.”

 

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Bad Bunny’s “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” residency began July 11 at the iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico. Produced by Noah Assad Presents and Move Concerts, the residency includes 30 shows running through September 14, with the first nine exclusively for Puerto Rican residents.

With the doors now open to international fans, the series continues to highlight Benito’s devotion to his homeland. His performances, including emotional tracks from “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” like “Baile Inolvidable,” “Nueva Yol,” “Voy a llevarte pa’ PR,” “Turista,” and “DTMF,” turn every night into an unforgettable tribute to Puerto Rican identity.

Through this special Society18 x LatiNation collaboration, Curlelia wasn’t just watching history: she became part of it.