Over the last few weeks, a man with an accordion has been both entertaining and irritating subway commuters on the TTC by performing Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's ubiquitous 2017 smash "Despacito."
Rare musical performance on the #TTC #Despacito pic.twitter.com/vryw5o1CXf
— Dylan Hayden (@Dylanhayden) April 7, 2018
Though the performer's real identity has yet to be revealed, he's been making the rounds on the Bloor-Danforth line — though, as one Twitter user pointed out, there appears to be a second incarnation of the guy on the Yonge-University line, as well.
— Lisa Hall (@notgreatjustok) April 17, 2018
Public reaction to the vigilante busker has been extremely mixed, with Torontonians seemingly divided between pure joy and utter annoyance. See some of the warring reactions below.
I was stuck just on the #TTC with an accordion player who was committed to a ride full of "Despacito". The world is testing me today, that's for sure pic.twitter.com/V5AcP0X5sy
— Tanner Morton (@TannerJMorton) April 4, 2018
Thank you accordion man on the subway for making this rainy commute home a little more entertaining. Also, all in favour of making #Despacito the official song of the #TTC 🙋🏻♀️? #ILoveToronto pic.twitter.com/h4OsNskqwm
— Alejandra Ortiz (@0rtizAle) April 3, 2018
Easter weekend on the #TTC. Guy on the right asking for change. Guy in front cranking out "Despacito" on an accordion. Woman on the left screaming at both to get off the train ...
— Rob Grant (@robgrant17) April 2, 2018
Meanwhile on the #TTC #Despacito pic.twitter.com/ppmFrPq5QQ
— Jose Taboada (@taboada93) April 17, 2018
A guy on the subway took out an accordion and stated playing Despacito. Is this fair or foul? I was not particularly pleased at the time... #TTC pic.twitter.com/ORmz5UxUFO
— Richard Southern (@richard680news) April 18, 2018
This wonderful man made my morning roaming the subway cars playing Despacito on his accordion with not a hint of "I'm just kidding folks". Then I spotted the man in the background of this photo and it made my morning even better #TTC pic.twitter.com/SEIjSfRmsD
— Gabrielle Zilkha (@GabrielleZilkha) April 17, 2018
i know I'm supposed to appreciate the TTC accordion despacito guy showing up on the subway but man I could use some silence on this commute Mr. Mans
— Anthony Suen (@hipstersuen) April 6, 2018
https://t.co/JSksbJjj98
— syn (@catamalgam) April 19, 2018
I'VE SEEN THIS GUY ON THE BLOOR LINE. People were pleading with him to stop. I can't believe he's still at it.
This wonderful man made my morning roaming the subway cars playing Despacito on his accordion with not a hint of "I'm just kidding folks". Then I spotted the man in the background of this photo and it made my morning even better #TTC pic.twitter.com/SEIjSfRmsD
— Gabrielle Zilkha (@GabrielleZilkha) April 17, 2018
This kid was playing despacito on the accordion on the @TTCnotices was life. #Toronto
— Jen Stewart (@UrbanYenta) April 13, 2018
Why is Toronto like this
— Neel Soman (@neelsoman) April 19, 2018
https://t.co/j98Z9awiZC
Today's #TTC highlight: a really talented young guy on the subway, playing "Despacito" on the accordion.
— Elizabeth Friesen (@emfriesen) April 13, 2018
Everyone stopped what they were doing and just listened.
Even in a busy city, on a crowded subway train, magical moments still exist. pic.twitter.com/ngAloc0LHn
Shout out to the accordionist playing Despacito on Line 2 and the streetcar driver on car #4027 (Bathurst streetcar, left the station around 11:20) for making this absolutely dreary day a little brighter. #TTC @bradTTC
— Crystal Chin (@_CrystalChin) April 12, 2018
I swear to god @TTChelps I'm getting a little tired of this Despacito accordion player riding the subway. Nothing fails to sour me faster. #TTC
— Jack (@JackCox) April 17, 2018
In addition to gathering information and a Despacito Man description from upset customers, the TTC has ensured customers that it will fight to uphold riders' right to "a relatively peaceful ride."
"To be clear, the TTC is a big supporter of local musical talent done right," TTC spokesperson Stuart Green told BlogTO. "Aspiring Weird Als and other musicians must restrict their public transit performances to the authorized subway musicians program, Underground Sounds."
If "Despacito" isn't your jam, but you like the idea of underground entertainment (without the torture of an actual commute), be sure to check out the TTC and Exclaim! co-presentation of CMW Underground. Taking place at Lower Bay Station on May 11, the special show will feature Deliluh, E-Saggila, Tyriqueordie and a special guest headliner.