LESTER HOLT: Finally, there's good news tonight, about the power of music to bring all of us together and get out on the floor, including our Antonia Hilton.
ANTONIA HILTON: In early January, Brooklyn salsa instructor and studio owner, Will Nieves, noticed a lot of newcomers packing his Salsa 101 classes. Turns out, many were inspired by one man: Bad Bunny.
When you compare your beginner classes, pre-album dropping, post-album dropping. What's it looking like?
WILL NIEVES: Big difference. We were always busy, 30-40, but some of these new classes are like 60, 70.
HILTON: For years, Bad Bunny- whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been at the top of his game. Popularizing Spanish rap and hip-hop globally. But his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should've Taken More Pictures), explores genres like Salsa and Jíbaro. It’s dominating the charts, inspiring Tik Tok dance challenges, and bringing generations together.
Will showed me the basics of the Puerto Rican variation on Salsa. One song has really struck a chord. Baile Inolvidable (Unforgettable Dance).
HILTON: When his music plays on these speakers, what do you see happen in the room?
NIEVES: Oh, my god, I hear clapping, cheering.
DANCE STUDENT: It channels all sorts of emotions in me, from sadness to happiness.
HILTON: Will says after everything his island has been through, from Hurricane Maria to massive protests, he believes Bad Bunny is sending a message.
NIEVES: I think he's saying that Puerto Ricans are here. And Puerto Rico is not dying. We’re going to rebuild and grow even bigger.
HILTON: He just hopes we continue to listen, and dance. Antonia Hilton, NBC News, New York.
HOLT: Love that unabashed joy.
