“My heart breaks and I pray for the world…” is how J Balvin decided to start his emotional performance of “Rojo” from his album Colores (2020). His uplifting words could not come at a better time, nor could they have flourished within a medium other than music.
Unlike his usual performances – colorful and electric – this rendition of “Rojo” was heartwarming, moving, and perhaps unusual for a reggaeton artist. A giant figure of two hands joined together in prayer directly over Balvin symbolized unity, while his dancers who were all dressed in white fortified the underlying message of the flashing words on the back wall: equality, inclusivity, change, love, peace, respect, tolerance, and finally… HOPE.
Photo from rollingstone.com
Photo from nytimes.com
As we continue fighting against COVID-19’s negative forces, Balvin’s words serve as a reminder that we need to stick together, stay optimistic, be kind, and move forward.
Original
Aunque el mundo se
sienta oscuro
Y nuestros miedos nos
atormenten
Creo que es el momento
que nuestros corazones, que están sangrando, vuelvan a tener un sentido.
Que nos unamos todos y
sigamos luchando por nuestros sueños y un nuevo futuro
Translation
Even though the world feels dark
And our fears torment us
I think it is time for our hearts, that are bleeding, to
recover their meaning,
For us to unite and continue fighting for our dreams and a
new future.