The recent loss of a salsamusicpioneer is being mourned by fans of the genre everywhere — and that includesBad Bunny.
The red-hot Grammy winner, 31, just took time during his latest concert in São Paulo, Brazil, to pray tribute toWillie Colón, whosedeath was confirmedearlier onSaturday, Feb. 21.
"Today, one of the legends who contributed to this beautiful and legendary genre passed away," Benito is heard saying in Spanish in a fan-captured videoon Instagram,perBillboard. "So, on behalf of myself and Los Sobrinos, we wish Willie Colónpeace. Much strength to his family. The inspiration of so many of these great musicians who left their mark on this earth will never die as long as there are talented young people like those here, keeping the music, salsa and all Caribbean rhythms alive."
Saturday's show marked the second of two nights Bad Bunny headlined Allianz Parque on his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour. He heads to Sydney, Australia, next week.
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News of Colón's death was confirmed in a statement released by his family. "While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever," the family shared onColón's Facebook page.
Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Colón was behind dozens of albums, includingLa Gran Fuga(The Big Break) in 1970 andEl Juicio(The Judgment) in 1972. Perhaps his most influential album,Siembre(Snowing), was recorded and released withRubén Bladesin 1978 and remains a landmark work in salsa music.
Earlier this week, Bad Bunnycelebrated yet another career milestonewhen his song "DtMF" (short for "Debí Tirar Más Fotos") hit No. 1 on theBillboard Hot 100chart, marking a huge moment for the Puerto Rican superstar's solo career.
The achievement came on the heels of one of music's biggest live stages: his Super Bowl LX Halftime Show performance in Santa Clara, California.
This story was originally published byParadeon Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
