Safaera

"Safaera" is an unapologetic and hedonistic anthem celebrating the raw, unfiltered energy of 'perreo' and the party culture deeply rooted in Puerto Rico. The title itself, a Puerto Rican slang term, translates to promiscuity, debauchery, or wildness. The song is a tribute to the 'marquesina' (garage party) culture, aiming to replicate the experience of a DJ spinning a high-energy mix of reggaeton classics. Lyrically, the song is explicit and direct, focusing on themes of sexual liberation, carnal desire, and dancing with abandon. It tells the story of a woman who commands the dance floor with her confidence and provocative dancing, and the artists' intense attraction to her. The narrative doesn't shy away from graphic descriptions of sexual acts and desires, which has been both celebrated for its honesty and criticized for its raunchiness. Beyond its explicit content, "Safaera" is a declaration of personal freedom and autonomy, encapsulated in the line "Yo hago lo que me da la gana" ("I do whatever I want"). It serves as a cultural reset, reclaiming the gritty, old-school sound of reggaeton and rejecting the more polished, pop-infused sound that had become mainstream. The song is a multi-layered homage, not just to a style of partying, but to the history of the reggaeton genre itself, packed with references and samples that honor its pioneers.

The song is an auditory collage celebrating a wild, uninhibited party atmosphere, specifically the Puerto Rican concept of a 'safaera'—a state of debauchery, promiscuity, and pure hedonism. It opens by immediately setting a chaotic, high-energy tone. The narrative perspective shifts between the featured artists, but consistently revolves around a captivating woman on the dance floor who embodies the spirit of 'safaera'. She is described as having an incredible body that looks amazing in anything she wears, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. The lyrics are a direct and explicit homage to 'perreo,' a provocative style of reggaeton dancing. The artists express their admiration and desire for this woman who dances with abandon, owning her sexuality and the moment. Phrases like "Muévelo" (Move it) are repeated, urging her to keep dancing.

The song progresses through various scenarios within this party. There's a sense of playful shock and admiration for her boldness, with lines questioning how she dared to show up without underwear, implying she arrived ready for a wild night. The narrative voice, particularly Bad Bunny's, asserts a philosophy of doing whatever one wants ("Yo hago lo que me da la gana"), which mirrors the woman's own freedom of expression. The lyrics delve into explicit sexual fantasies and propositions, graphically describing acts and desires, which caused some controversy. One notable and widely discussed line involves a fetish, emphasizing an 'all or nothing' attitude towards sexual pleasure.

References to drug use, such as taking a pill that heightens arousal ("se metió una pepa que la pone cachonda"), are woven into the narrative, further amplifying the theme of hedonistic indulgence. The song also pays homage to iconic Puerto Rican cultural figures known for their voluptuous bodies, like Iris Chacón and Lourdes Chacón, grounding the track in a specific cultural appreciation for a certain physique. The structure of the song itself, with its multiple, abrupt beat switches, mimics the unpredictable, exhilarating flow of a DJ set at a 'marquesina' (garage party), taking the listener on a journey through different eras of reggaeton. It's a tribute to the genre's roots, sampling and referencing classic tracks that would be staples at such an event. The song culminates in a collective chant-like state, a declaration of intent to drink, spend money, and smoke, all under the permissive guise of "if God allows it," which is used ironically to justify the night's excesses. Ultimately, the song is a narrative of a single, explosive night of dancing, sexual liberation, and unapologetic celebration, capturing the essence of old-school perreo for a new generation.

"Safaera" was created for Bad Bunny's second studio album, YHLQMDLG (an acronym for "Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana"), released on February 29, 2020. The track was produced by the acclaimed reggaeton producers Tainy and DJ Orma, with Subelo Neo also credited. The song was conceived as a tribute to old-school reggaeton and the 'marquesina' party scene of Puerto Rico. The collaboration with Jowell & Randy, pioneers of the genre, was long-discussed. Jowell had been hesitant to work with Bad Bunny during his trap-focused era, but was drawn in after hearing the reggaeton style of "Mía." Bad Bunny called them just three weeks before the album's release to record the track.

The song is famous for its complex structure and extensive use of samples, which led to significant legal issues. It incorporates snippets from over nine songs, most notably the iconic guitar riff from Missy Elliott's 2001 hit "Get Ur Freak On" and beats from tracks by artists like Shaggy, Alexis & Fido, and DJ Nelson. Due to copyright claims over these uncleared samples, the song was briefly removed from Spotify in May 2020, causing an uproar among fans. The most publicized dispute was with Missy Elliott. Jowell of Jowell & Randy claimed in an interview that after the song's massive success, Elliott's team demanded a significant portion of the royalties, resulting in the original writers (Bad Bunny, Jowell, Randy, and Ñengo Flow) receiving only 1% of the song's profits combined. Elliott later clarified on social media that she receives 25%, and that 15 other writers and 6 other sample owners also share in the royalties. A separate lawsuit was filed by AOM Music Inc., representing DJ Playero, for the unauthorized use of elements from his classic mixtapes. This case reached a tentative settlement in January 2023.

"Safaera" is rich with cultural symbolism, acting as a time capsule and a sonic monument to a specific era of Puerto Rican music culture.

• The Marquesina Party: The song's entire structure—a chaotic, multi-part suite with numerous beat switches—symbolizes a live DJ mix at a Puerto Rican 'marquesina' (garage) party. It's not a conventional song but an experience, designed to evoke the feeling of being at a party where the DJ seamlessly blends classic reggaeton anthems, creating a continuous flow of high-energy dance music.
• 'Safaera' as a Concept: The title itself is the central symbol, representing a state of ultimate freedom, hedonism, and debauchery. The woman described in the song becomes the human embodiment of 'safaera'—she is wild, sexually liberated, and unapologetically herself, representing a spirit of rebellion against social norms.
• Cultural Icons as Metaphors for Beauty: The lyrical references to Puerto Rican vedettes Iris Chacón and Lourdes Chacón serve as cultural shorthand for a specific, celebrated standard of beauty. By comparing the woman in the song to these icons, the artists are not just praising her physical attributes but also connecting her to a lineage of powerful, iconic Puerto Rican women known for their striking figures and stage presence.
• 'El Tiburón' (The Shark): The line "Aquí llegó tu tiburón" (Your shark has arrived), which samples a classic by Alexis & Fido, uses the shark as a metaphor for a confident, predatory male figure on the prowl at a party, ready to dominate the dance floor.

The predominant emotional atmosphere of "Safaera" is one of euphoric, high-energy, and unapologetic hedonism. It's a sonic embodiment of a wild party, pulsating with excitement and raw, sexual energy. This atmosphere is crafted through a deliberate combination of musical elements. The driving, relentless dembow beat, which shifts constantly but never loses momentum, creates a sense of frantic excitement and physical urgency. The multiple beat switches act like jolts of adrenaline, preventing any emotional settling and keeping the listener in a state of heightened arousal and anticipation. Lyrically, the explicit and celebratory descriptions of dancing, attraction, and sexuality contribute to a mood of liberation and uninhibited joy. The artists' vocal performances are key; Jowell & Randy's energetic chants, Ñengo Flow's gruff delivery, and Bad Bunny's confident flow all project an air of bravado and pure fun. There are no moments of introspection or sadness; the emotional landscape is purely external and celebratory, focused on the physical sensations and collective ecstasy of the dance floor. It's a defiant, loud, and sweaty assertion of the right to party without restraint, capturing a feeling of pure, chaotic release.

"Safaera" had a monumental cultural impact upon its release, being described as a "cultural reset" for modern reggaeton. The song was a standout track from Bad Bunny's critically and commercially successful 2020 album YHLQMDLG. It reached number one in Spain and charted significantly across Latin America and on the US Billboard charts. Its success was amplified by its viral popularity on TikTok, where the "#SafaeraChallenge" and "#AbuelaChallenge" (which featured grandmothers reacting to the song's explicit lyrics and beat drops) exposed it to an even wider audience.

Critically, the song was lauded as a "technical masterpiece" and an "antidote for the most formulaic tendencies of the pop-reggaetón panorama." Publications like NPR and Rolling Stone named it one of the best songs of 2020, and Rolling Stone later included it in their list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time," cementing its place in music history. The song's primary influence was its role in repopularizing and celebrating the raw, unpolished sound of old-school reggaeton and 'perreo,' influencing a wave of artists to look back to the genre's roots. The significant controversy surrounding its use of uncleared samples, particularly from Missy Elliott and DJ Playero, sparked widespread discussion about copyright, royalties, and artistic homage in the digital age, ultimately leading to a significant portion of the song's profits being redirected to the original artists.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Safaera" are as complex and dynamic as its structure. The song intentionally avoids a consistent, predictable rhyme scheme or rhythmic pattern, instead favoring a free-flowing, mixtape-like feel that prioritizes energy and vibe over formal structure. The rhythm is the track's driving force, characterized by its constant and abrupt shifts. The song moves through multiple tempos and rhythmic bases, all rooted in the foundational 'dembow' riddim of reggaeton, but with variations that reference different eras of the genre. This rhythmic journey, with its eight-plus beat changes, is the song's most defining characteristic, creating a sense of controlled chaos that is central to its theme of a wild party. The lyrical rhymes are often simple and direct, using perfect rhymes and assonance that are typical of reggaeton to create memorable, chant-like phrases (e.g., "gasta" with "Rasta"). However, the focus is less on intricate lyrical wordplay and more on the percussive delivery of the lyrics. The vocal flows of Bad Bunny, Jowell & Randy, and Ñengo Flow are rhythmically intricate, weaving in and out of the beat and often acting as another percussive layer. This interplay between the complex musical rhythm and the syncopated vocal rhythms creates the song's signature high-energy, dance-focused, and slightly disorienting feel, perfectly capturing the 'perreo' experience.

"Safaera" is renowned for its unconventional and complex structure, which sets it apart from typical pop or reggaeton songs. It's often described as a "reggaetón symphony" or a "perreo megamix."

Literary Techniques:

• Code-Switching and Slang: The lyrics are dense with Puerto Rican slang (e.g., 'safaera,' 'chapiadora,' 'bicho'), creating an authentic, localized narrative that resonates deeply with its target audience while offering a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the culture for others.
• Hyperbole and Raunchy Imagery: The song employs exaggerated, explicit, and often humorous imagery to describe sexual desire and the party atmosphere, pushing the boundaries of mainstream lyrical content.
• Direct Address and Shifting Narrative Voice: The song features multiple vocalists (Bad Bunny, Jowell & Randy, Ñengo Flow) who often address the listener or the woman in the song directly, creating a dynamic, conversational, and immersive experience.

Musical Techniques:

• Beat Switches: The song's most notable feature is its series of abrupt and frequent beat switches. It moves through at least eight different rhythmic patterns and tempos, creating a disorienting yet exhilarating effect that mimics a live DJ set. This technique subverts conventional song structure and keeps the listener constantly engaged and surprised.
• Sampling and Interpolation: "Safaera" is built on a collage of samples from foundational reggaeton tracks and other influential songs, including Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On," Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved," and numerous old-school reggaeton beats. This serves as both a production technique and an homage to the genre's history.
• Vocal Delivery: The artists employ a range of vocal styles, from Bad Bunny's signature melodic drawl to Jowell & Randy's high-energy chants and Ñengo Flow's gruffer, more aggressive flow, adding textural variety to the track.
• Instrumentation: The production intentionally uses sounds reminiscent of early 2000s reggaeton, such as classic dembow drum patterns, synthesized brass stabs, and the distinctive 'tumbi' riff from "Get Ur Freak On," to create a sense of nostalgia while still feeling modern.

What does the word 'safaera' mean?

'Safaera' is a Puerto Rican slang term that means promiscuity, debauchery, or engaging in wild, out-of-control behavior. In the context of the song, it refers to a chaotic party atmosphere and a woman who embodies a spirit of wild, uninhibited freedom.

Why was 'Safaera' temporarily removed from Spotify?

'Safaera' was briefly removed from Spotify in May 2020 due to a copyright claim. The issue stemmed from the fact that several of the song's many samples, most notably from Missy Elliott's 'Get Ur Freak On,' were not properly licensed or 'cleared' before the song's release. It was restored after the issue was addressed.

What songs are sampled in Bad Bunny's 'Safaera'?

'Safaera' is famous for its many samples. The most prominent is the guitar riff from Missy Elliott's 'Get Ur Freak On.' Other samples include 'Could You Be Loved' by Bob Marley, 'El Tiburón' by Alexis & Fido, and rhythm tracks from songs by Shaggy and Chaka Demus & Pliers, creating a complex musical collage.

Who gets the royalties from 'Safaera'?

Due to a lawsuit over an uncleared sample, the majority of royalties for 'Safaera' do not go to Bad Bunny, Jowell & Randy, or Ñengo Flow. After a settlement, Missy Elliott receives 25% of the royalties, and the remaining profit is split among 15 other songwriters and the owners of 6 other samples.

What is the cultural significance of 'Safaera'?

'Safaera' is considered a landmark track that paid homage to and revitalized the sound of old-school reggaeton. It celebrated Puerto Rican 'marquesina' (garage party) culture and became a viral sensation, praised for its complex, multi-part structure and unapologetic energy. It's often cited as a 'cultural reset' in modern Latin music.

What do the explicit lyrics in 'Safaera' mean?

The explicit lyrics celebrate raw sexuality and desire, central to the 'perreo' dance style. Lines like 'chocha con bicho, bicho con nalga' are intentionally graphic to evoke the unfiltered nature of underground reggaeton. Another controversial line about a specific sex act is used to express an 'all or nothing' attitude towards pleasure.

Who are the artists featured on 'Safaera'?

The song is by Bad Bunny and features two iconic acts from the world of reggaeton: the duo Jowell & Randy and the rapper Ñengo Flow. Their inclusion was a deliberate choice to connect the song to the classic era of the genre they helped pioneer.