Total by Verizon Brings Back ‘90s Latin Dance Music in Big Game Ad Directed by Fred Armisen

Total by Verizon, a fast-growing prepaid no-contract wireless carrier from Verizon is bringing back '90s Latin dance music and laughter to the Big Game with a new take on the hit merengue song “Suavemente.” The :30 spot is directed by comedian, producer, and musician Fred Armisen.

Topping the charts and winning hearts worldwide, “Suavemente” quickly became a Spanish-language standard in Latin music. The new “Totalmente” campaign, created by Ogilvy, flips the song on its head, transforming its romantic lyrics into a catchy tune called “Totalmente,” about the perks of having a Total by Verizon wireless plan.

“Total by Verizon has a lot to offer consumers, and we’re excited to leverage the power of the Big Game to step into our target customers’ homes,” said Cheryl Gresham, VP and CMO of the Verizon Value organisation. “We hope viewers love our nostalgic and comedic twist on the popular hit, ‘Suavemente,’ and dance all the way to one of our many Total by Verizon stores to learn more about us.”

The commercial opens with a Latino couple, played by Enrique Dueñas and Betzaida Landín, on a dinner date. When Betzaida laments she doesn’t know how to speak to her partner anymore, Enrique says it’s actually quite easy since he switched to Total by Verizon. Enrique then breaks into a rousing rendition of “Totalmente,” complete with call-back imagery to the beloved music video from the iconic original.

The spot also includes a surprise cameo from actor Arturo Castro as a waiter serving the starring couple as the moment unfolds. “Honestly, I have to fight the urge to break out into song and dance at every single meal,” said Arturo. “It was such a pleasure to work with the folks at Total by Verizon and with the amazing Fred Armisen, who’s one of the best to ever do it. Can’t wait for y’all to watch!"

The new advertisement is part of a 360-degree campaign created by Ogilvy with the “Totalmente” song available post-game on TikTok, along with a unique Instagram filter for fans to recreate the video. Influencers will also be choreographing  “Totalmente” dances and encouraging their followers to recreate them on their own channels. An extended music video version of the commercial is available to watch at totalbyverizon.com and on YouTube.

“It was an absolute pleasure working on this,” said Fred. “The song felt earnest and festive, and I didn’t want to get in the way of that. The performers were perfect for this. I was very lucky to get to work with them. It was especially wonderful to do these versions in Spanish. My mom will be very proud of that.”

The ad will air during the first commercial break of the second quarter of Univision’s Big Game telecast Sunday, February 11 and marks the brand’s big game advertising debut.

Check out our Collection of every Super Bowl 2024 ad so far here.