In “El Aguante,” Puerto Rican powerhouse Calle 13 turns a rousing pub-style toast into a lyrical marathon of everything humanity can survive. Over pounding drums and Celtic violins, Residente fires off a rapid-fire inventory: broken bones, hurricanes, dictators, world wars, bad bosses, hunger, and even waiting 70 years for Halley’s Comet. Each line reminds us that, from holding our breath under water to enduring Hiroshima, people keep going. The chorus invites us to raise a glass not to pain itself, but to the stubborn resilience that lets us push through it.
Yet the song is more than a feel-good salute. By stacking examples of injustice next to everyday annoyances, Calle 13 points out how easily we normalize suffering. We “aguantamos” (put up with) oppressive leaders, poisoned food, and wage gaps just as we tolerate school exams or long lines at the bathroom. The result is a clever mix of celebration and critique: a party anthem that doubles as a wake-up call. So when Residente shouts “¡A brindar por el aguante!” he’s cheering our ability to endure—while hinting that maybe, just maybe, it’s time we stopped merely enduring and started demanding better.
Calle 13 is a groundbreaking Puerto Rican alternative hip-hop band known for their eclectic fusion of genres including hip-hop, world music, and rap rock. Formed by stepbrothers Residente (lead vocalist and songwriter) and Visitante (multi-instrumentalist and producer), along with their half-sister iLe on backing vocals, the group rose to fame with their politically charged lyrics and innovative sound that challenges conventional reggaeton.
Since their debut in 2005, Calle 13 has been celebrated for their social commentary on Latin American culture and issues, incorporating a wide array of musical instruments and styles to create a unique listening experience. Their thought-provoking songs and activism, especially concerning Puerto Rican independence, have earned them critical acclaim and multiple Latin Grammy Awards, solidifying their influence in Latin music and beyond.