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This year’s Super Bowl marks a new era of Latin representation

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The 2020 Super Bowl halftime show put Latin performers centre stage, a win for diversity and inclusion in the face of Trump’s America.

Have you watched the Super Bowl halftime show yet? No, seriously – have you watched it? I must admit, while I’m not the biggest fan of extravagant sporting events, I do love a good spectacle and, quite frankly, I haven’t seen something this spectacular in a while.

Stunning us all to silence with their mind-blowing performances, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez brought electric visuals, incredible vocals, and an outstanding entertainment factor to our screens. Singing their catchiest hits alongside some pretty iconic choreography, the two popstars deservedly received stellar reviews from international media, which has appropriately referred to it as the ‘best halftime show in years.’ 50-year-old J.Lo even pole danced – I haven’t really got an excuse to avoid the gym anymore have I.

That’s not all, however. Yes, it was epic. Yes, it had me shaking my hips in the middle of the office. And yes, it reminded everyone that age is just a number (‘let’s hear it for older women!’ tweeted one fan). But, most significantly – and what I think made it so special – with over one hundred million people watching the game around the globe, it sent a valuable message about the importance of inclusivity and made history as the first all-Latin halftime show ever.

For 15 minutes, the dynamic duo displayed a degree of personal fearlessness that left us all feeling totally empowered, wholeheartedly embracing their unique identities as unashamedly Latina. Shakira, who’s from Colombia, sang and spoke in her native language, and J.Lo, whose parents are Puerto Rican emigrants living in NYC, wore a reversable cape bearing the flags of her two nationalities. Not to mention the fact they’re both extremely talented salsa dancers and made sure to flaunt this with some killer moves that’d make even Beyoncé jealous.

These are just a couple of examples of the Latin influence that dominated the production which took place in Miami, a city with a 70% Latino population. Every single act on that stage portrayed some form of Latin representation, which was especially meaningful given President Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric as of late. During a pre-show interview, both women expressed a strong desire to create an ‘all-inclusive party’ integrating culture and diversity.

‘I feel truly honoured to be representing so many people out there,’ said Shakira. ‘I think that J.Lo and I are here redefining paradigms about age, gender, and race. It doesn’t really matter where you’re from or how old you are (etc.) – what matters is what you have to say.’

As well as being a demonstration of feminism, their performances very pointedly focused on their Latin backgrounds to celebrate diversity, shining a light on the heart-breaking circumstances currently faced by many migrant families in America. Following a highly nostalgic mash-up of their most memorable tracks (I was pleasantly surprised to realise I still know all the words to She Wolf), they reserved the last few minutes of the performance for reminding us that everyone is welcome in the United States.

With the vibrant lights fading into darkness, around twenty glowing cages with a child sat in the middle of each one appeared in front of the stage. It was a compelling image that’s stuck with me since, as I’m sure it has with many others, thought to be referring to the detainment centres in America that currently separate thousands of migrant children from their families.

‘When I think of my daughter, when I think of all the little girls in the world, to be able to see that two Latinas are doing this in this country at this time, it’s just very empowering for us,’ said J.Lo. Joining her onstage for the finale was her 11-year-old daughter Emme who performed a tear-jerking rendition of Let’s Get Loud, which in this case was more of an anthem for anyone that’s ever been silenced. ‘Her daughter singing. Her mama wearing the Puerto Rican and American flag. I feel that in my soul. We are ALL seen in that politically charged moment,’ said Deanna Munoz, founder of the Latino Arts Foundation.

I’m certainly relieved to see the NFL responding to recent pushback not only for previously passing on brilliant female performers in favour of unexceptional men (check out Maroon 5 in 2019), but to being slow in using their influential platform to try and make a difference.

Sunday’s halftime show was unlike anything we’ve seen before, a truly welcome step in the right direction towards a more inclusive future that celebrates talent, regardless of background. The poignant messages delivered through Shakira’s fusion of Latin, world, and pop, with J.Lo’s high energy Vegas razzle dazzle, are bound to stick. These two women; both older, both Latina, have successfully honoured a plethora of different cultures while encouraging us to stand in solidarity.

The Super Bowl 2020 half time show was grand, risqué, and it got everybody dancing, but it wasn’t pretentious, and it didn’t attempt to sell records. Instead, with a final rendition of Waka Waka which the two stars performed in unison – rather than in competition –  it created a sense of community, reminding the world that camaraderie is at the heart of change.

Feature Media Manager & Senior Writer London, UK

Sofia (She/Her) – I’m the Deputy Editor & Media Partnership Manager at Thred, specialising in exclusive articles and live interviews, fashion and beauty with a focus on sustainability, women’s rights, psychedelics, and Latin America. I studied Spanish at the University of Exeter and International Journalism at City, London. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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