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Don Omar returns to Tenerife 22 years later and ignites the Cook Music Festival

Don Omar returns to Tenerife 22 years later at the Cook Music Festival, with a historic concert full of reggaeton anthems.

Yaiza MedinaYaiza Medina· · 3 min read

The Puerto Rican performed before an enthusiastic audience on the first day of the festival, dedicated to urban music. He sang his greatest hits like 'Danza Kuduro' and 'Pobre diabla'.

The king of reggaeton roared once again in Tenerife. Don Omar took to the stage at the Cook Music Festival on the night of Thursday, July 16, in a concert that will be etched in the memories of those present. It had been exactly 22 years since the Boricua artist last sang for the Tenerife audience, and the reunion was, to say the least, historic.

The singer, who hadn't performed in Spain for 15 years, chose the island to reconnect with his European audience. He did so as part of the Cook Music Festival, an event that dedicated its first day to urban music and served as a prelude to the tour Don Omar has planned for 2027. For now, Tenerife is not on that tour, making the evening a unique gift for those in attendance.

A night of anthems and dancing

The concert kicked off with Dale, a clear message that the greatest hits would not be missing. And so it was: Pobre diabla, Diva Virtual, Conteo, Danza Kuduro, and Tabú played one after another, turning the venue into a massive dance floor. The audience, completely engaged, sang along to every chorus and didn’t stop jumping for a second.

One of the most emotional moments came when Don Omar performed Pobre diabla. He then recalled that first time: “Tenerife, I sang this with you 22 years ago,” he said, prompting a standing ovation. There was also space for tributes: the artist remembered Héctor and Tito while singing Ella y yo, with the audience playing the role of the deceived Romeo. The final touch was added alongside Farruko, with whom he performed Bandolero.

Canary Islands, the gateway of reggaeton to Europe

The evening was not only a musical success but also a demonstration of the special bond that connects the Canary Islands with reggaeton. The Archipelago has become the gateway to Europe for many artists of the genre, and the island audience shows this with unmatched enthusiasm. All the artists on the lineup were Puerto Rican, from the place where reggaeton was born and whose history is linked to Canary emigration.

Before Don Omar, Ivy Queen, known as La Caballota, showcased her strength and professionalism on stage, proving why she is the pioneering woman of the genre. Farruko won over the audience with just one song, and Myke Towers exuded passion, although the venue had already lost some attendees, partly due to it being a weekday concert. New talents of the genre also had their space, entertaining during the waits and keeping the festive atmosphere alive.

The first day of the Cook Music Festival was, in short, a declaration of love from reggaeton to the Canary Islands. And from the Canary Islands to reggaeton. Because one thing was clear: in the islands, dancing is almost a religion.

Yaiza Medina

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Yaiza Medina

Redactora

Historia del Arte por la ULL y coleccionista de planes que nunca cumple. Cafetera, lectora de tres libros a la vez y turista en su propia isla; firma cultura, moda y estilo de vida buscando la excusa perfecta para salir de casa.