Culture

José Eduardo Santana Puts the Puerto Rican Cuatro in the Global Spotlight with Bad Bunny

Updated Jun 30, 2026 · via El Nuevo Día

José Eduardo Santana, a musician and producer, has been performing with Bad Bunny in various concerts, including the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show and the international tour 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos'. Santana plays the cuatro puertorriqueño, a traditional Puerto Rican instrument, and has been putting his heart and effort into his performances. He mentions that it has been a huge responsibility, but also a great opportunity to showcase Puerto Rican culture, including plena, salsa, and the cuatro.

Santana grew up surrounded by musician masters, including his late father Edgardo Santana, and learned from them. However, he also faced challenges when he started playing the cuatro, as it was not as popular among young people at the time. His performances have impressed audiences not only in Puerto Rico but also in South America, Spain, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands, where many had not heard the instrument before.

Santana's task was to create an intro with a solo on the cuatro for Bad Bunny's presentations.