Hubbry Logo
MalumaMalumaMain
Open search
Maluma
Community hub
Maluma
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Maluma
Maluma
from Wikipedia

Juan Luis Londoño Arias (born 28 January 1994), known professionally as Maluma, is a Colombian rapper, singer, songwriter and actor. Born and raised in Medellín, he developed an interest in music at a young age, recording songs since age sixteen. Arias released his debut album, Magia, a year later in 2012. But, his breakthrough album was 2015's Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy, which led to successful collaborations with many artists. He released F.A.M.E. in 2018, another commercial success. He followed it with 11:11 in 2019, and Papi Juancho, surprise-released in 2020. His single "Hawái" (remixed by The Weeknd) reached number three on the Billboard Global 200, and became the first number one single on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. Selling more than 18 million records (albums and singles), Maluma is one of the best-selling Latin music artists.[2] Musically, Maluma's songs have been described as reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop.

Key Information

Maluma has a number of singles that have charted within the top ten on Billboard Hot Latin Songs, including "Felices los 4", "Borró Cassette", and "Corazón". His collaborative efforts "Chantaje" with Shakira and "Medellín" with Madonna have reached the top of the Hot Latin Songs and the Dance Club Songs chart, respectively. He has worked with other international artists, such as Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, J Balvin, Anitta, and The Weeknd. Maluma has won a Latin Grammy Award, an MTV Video Music Award, two Latin American Music Awards, and been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.

Early life

[edit]

Maluma was born to Marlli Arias and Luis Londoño and grew up with an older sister, Manuela. He took an early interest in football which he started playing as a toddler through middle school, competing in the lower divisions in the reserve teams of Atlético Nacional and La Equidad. Additionally, he developed a keen interest in music during his early teenage years and was famed as a good singer in his high school. He graduated from Hontanares School in El Retiro where he was encouraged by many of his friends to enter local singing competitions.[3]

Maluma got his first musical break when he was fifteen after he composed, together with a close friend, a song titled "No quiero"; a year later Juan Parra, his uncle, offered him the opportunity to record it in a studio as his birthday present.[3] After impressing a group of music producers, he was asked to choose a name that would be easy to remember and be accepted by followers of the urban genre. He chose the stage name Maluma, which is a combination of the first syllable of the names of his mother Marlli, his father Luis and his sister Manuela.[3]

Career

[edit]

2010–2013: Beginnings and Magia

[edit]

Maluma began his musical career in 2010, recording singles. After "Farandulera" became a radio hit, Sony Music and its subsidiary label Sony Music Colombia decided to sign the singer to record his first studio album.[4] His next single was "Loco", which was inspired by "rampant and uncontrolled love".

In 2012, Maluma released his first studio album, titled Magia.[5] The video for the single "Obsesión" was filmed at the Antioquia Department Railway Station and featured Colombian model Lina Posada, who had previously appeared in the music video for the song "Taboo" (2011) by Don Omar. So far the video has more than 185 million views on YouTube. Other singles released from the album include "Miss Independent" and "Pasarla Bien", with "Miss Independent" reaching number two on the Colombian National-Report songs chart, becoming his first top five song on the chart.[6][7] Maluma was also nominated for a 2012 Shock Award as "Best New Artist".[1][8] The final two singles from his debut album, "Primer Amor" and "Miss Independent"; the latter was accompanied with a music video, recorded in Medellín, gathering 48 million views on YouTube.[9]

Maluma performing in Bogotá, Colombia in 2014

In 2013, "La Temperatura", featuring Puerto Rican singer Eli Palacios, was released as the first single from his upcoming mixtape, PB.DB The Mixtape; the song reached number seven on the National-Report charts. It also became his first single to enter the US charts for the Latin audience by Billboard; it reached number 25 on the Tropical Songs chart, number 8 on the Latin Pop Airplay songs chart, number 24 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and number 4 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay songs chart.[10][11]

2014–2018: Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy and F.A.M.E.

[edit]

In 2014, he released the music videos for the singles "La Curiosidad", "Carnaval" and "Addicted".[12][13][14] He also collaborated with singer Elvis Crespo, on the theme song "Olé Brazil" recorded for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. On 16 July 2014, Maluma appeared at the 2014 Premios Juventud, where he performed "La Temperatura". That same month, the singer was confirmed as a judge/coach on Caracol Television's The Voice Kids, alongside Fanny Lu and Andrés Cepeda. In August, he made his debut as a host at the inaugural awards Kids' Choice Awards Colombia of 2014.

Maluma performing during the Festival de Viña del Mar 2017 in Chile

In early 2015, Maluma released the mixtape PB.DB The Mixtape, a compilation of various singles.[15] His second album Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy was released in late 2015, containing elements of reggaeton, pop and urban music.[16] The singles "Borró Cassette", "El Perdedor" and "Sin Contrato" entered the top 10 on Billboard Hot Latin Songs.[17]

In April of that year he performed at the newly named Riccardo Silva Stadium for the inaugural match of the new NASL soccer team The Miami FC.[18][19] He then embarked on The Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy World Tour in May 2016.[20]

In 2017, his hit single "Felices los 4" became his fifth top 5 on the Hot Latin Songs chart,[21] followed by "Corazón", which also reached the top 5 on the chart. The music videos for both singles have over 1 billion views on YouTube. He also released the short film X, which featured his songs "GPS" featuring French Montana, "Vitamina" featuring Arcángel and "23".[22]

Maluma recorded the Spanish version of "Colors", one of the theme songs of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and performed in English by Jason Derulo.[23] Maluma returned to the Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami to record the video,[24] one of a growing number of artists using the city to shoot music videos.[25] Maluma's third studio album F.A.M.E. was released on 18 May 2018. In an interview he expressed its name means "Faith, Alma [Soul in Spanish], Music & Essence". He worked with producers Jay Cash, Vinylz and collaborators Daddy Yankee, Prince Royce and Jason Derulo on the album.[26][27] He performed "Felices los 4" at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.[28] With "Mala Mia", he topped the Latin Airplay, Latin Pop Songs and Latin Rhythm Airplay charts for the second time in the year, following "Clandestino".[29]

2019–present: 11:11 and Papi Juancho

[edit]
Maluma during the world premiere of music video "Medellín" on MTV in April 2019

In 2019, Maluma collaborated with American singer-songwriter Madonna, appearing on the songs "Medellín" and "Bitch I'm Loca" from her album Madame X.[30] In April it was announced that Maluma will star in Marry Me alongside Jennifer Lopez.[31] He also featured as a voice actor in Walt Disney Animation Studios film Encanto as Mariano.

On 17 May 2019, Maluma released his fourth studio album 11:11, supported by the singles "HP", "11 PM", "Instinto Natural" with Sech and "No Se Me Quita" with Ricky Martin.[32] Another collaboration with Madonna, "Soltera", appeared on the album.[30] To promote the album, Maluma embarked on the 11:11 World Tour, with concerts around the world between May 2019 and September 2020.

On 26 September 2019, he collaborated with Colombian singer J Balvin on his single "Qué Pena".

Maluma surprise-released his fifth studio album, Papi Juancho, on 21 August 2020.[33] The second single from Papi Juancho, "Hawái", became a commercial success. It reached number one in multiple countries and topped the Hot Latin Songs chart for nine consecutive weeks, becoming his second number-one hit on the chart. He also released a remix featuring The Weeknd. The remix peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Maluma's highest peak on the chart.

On 29 January 2021, Maluma released an EP titled #7DJ (7 Días en Jamaica) featuring seven songs along with their music videos on his YouTube channel.[34]

Artistry

[edit]
Maluma performing in 2020

Maluma possesses a tenor vocal range.[35][36][37][38][39] Maluma defines his music as "urban pop".[40][41] A Billboard editor wrote, "Maluma's brand of reggaetón syncs nicely with his image, managing to be both romantic and raw. His sound represents an evolution of the genre."[4] In a 2016 interview, he stated: "I grew up with this genre [reggaeton] that literally became life. It is one of the genres that I sing... I am an urban performer, I sing reggaeton. If you listen to my last album [Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy] there are ballads, mambo, merengue and reggaeton and underground stuff. I like to show the versatility that I have to perform."[42]

He has cited Héctor Lavoe, Justin Timberlake and Michael Jackson as his main musical influences.[4][43] While talking about them, Maluma said: "Justin Timberlake has been a great reference for modern music. But as for music as a sauce, Héctor Lavoe was always the number one artist I admired. I know all his songs, I listen to them every day and there is not one that bores me. He is my great musical inspiration."[44] He considers the folkloric elements Shakira incorporated into her music an important influence on his career.[45] He has also stated that Ricky Martin "is one of the artists I wanted to be growing up, He's my idol in the industry".[46]

Public image

[edit]
Maluma during an interview at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

In 2019, Vogue called Maluma "Menswear Icon in the Making", saying "Maluma has attitude, Maluma has style. He likes his clothes brights and bold, which goes quite nicely with his bright and bold music, personality, and overall demeanor."[47] In 2021, he collaborated with Balmain on a Miami-Inspired Capsule Collection.[48] In March 2022, he launched a clothing line titled Royalty by Maluma, which is a collaboration with Reunited Clothing and Macy's.[49]

Through his music, he has also carried out social activism, such as the music video for "El Perdedor", where showcased the racism and discrimination by the US police to people of Latin descent living in the country.[50][51] Maluma has publicly declared his support for the LGBT community.[52]

In October 2016, the song "Cuatro Babys" featuring Noriel, Bryant Myers, and Juhn received controversy over its lyrics, as some considered them to objectify women. A petition was posted on Change.org demanding the removal of the song from digital platforms.[53] Despite this controversy, the popularity of "Cuatro Babys" earned it a 12× Latin Platinum certification by the RIAA.[54]

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Maluma left a live TV interview broadcast on Israeli public television after the reporter suggested he could be accused of whitewashing Qatari human rights abuses.[55]

Maluma has done a number of venture capital investments, including TREBEL Music[56] and Colombian proptech company La Haus.[57]

Personal life

[edit]

Maluma is a Catholic, but has said he appreciates aspects of other religions.[58]

He was in a relationship with American model Natalia Barulich from 2018 to 2019.[59]

Maluma and girlfriend Susana Gómez have a daughter, Paris, born 9 March 2024.[60][61][62]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

In 2013, Maluma was nominated for several awards, including for Best Latin America Central Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards,[63] and the Best New Artist at the Latin Grammy Awards,[64] as well as a win for Best Radio Song at the Shock Awards for "La Temperatura".[65] In 2017, Maluma was nominated for two categories at the Billboard Music Awards, including Top Latin Artist.[66] In 2019 he was awarded El Premio ASCAP for Songwriter of the Year.[67] He won a MTV Video Music Award for Best Latin in 2020.

Discography

[edit]
Studio albums

Tours

[edit]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2012 Combate Perú Participant
2014–2015 La voz Kids Colombia[68] Himself / Coach Seasons 1 and 2
2014 Kids' Choice Awards Colombia 2014[69] Himself Main presenter
2016 Despertar contigo Guest
2017–2018 La Voz... México Himself / Coach Seasons 6 and 7
2017 La Voz Kids México Season 1
X (The Film) Himself Documentary film (short film)
2019 Lo Que Era, Lo Que Soy, Lo Que Seré Documentary on YouTube Premium
2021 Encanto Mariano (voice) English and Spanish versions
2021 12 Hours With Himself Documentary on Facebook Watch
2022 Marry Me Bastian
2022 Mi Selección Colombia Himself Narrator[70]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Juan Luis Londoño Arias (born January 28, 1994), known professionally as Maluma, is a Colombian , and whose primarily encompasses , , and pop genres. Raised in , he adopted his stage name from the initials of his family members and began releasing in 2010, achieving initial success with singles that led to his debut album Magia in 2012, which received gold certification in Colombia. Maluma has sold over 18 million records worldwide, establishing himself as one of the most commercially successful Latin artists of his generation. His catalog has accumulated more than 22 billion streams as of 2025, reflecting substantial digital consumption. He has topped the Latin Airplay chart 21 times and reached number one on the Top Latin Albums chart three times, alongside conducting multiple world tours. Among his accolades, Maluma has won one Latin Grammy Award from eleven nominations, an Video Music Award, three , and two , underscoring his influence in the industry. Beyond music, he has ventured into and entrepreneurship, though his career has occasionally drawn scrutiny for lyrical content promoting traditional gender dynamics in romantic contexts, consistent with elements of urban Latin genres.

Early life

Upbringing in Medellín

Juan Luis Londoño Arias was born on January 28, 1994, in , , to parents Marlli Arias and Luis Londoño, with an older sister named Manuela. The family belonged to the , as his father worked at a company while his mother managed the household. They resided in a neighborhood emblematic of 's urban landscape, a city then navigating economic recovery following decades of internal conflict and cartel-related violence that peaked in the 1980s and early . Londoño's early years were marked by immersion in local Colombian culture, including a strong affinity for soccer, a passion he pursued by joining youth clubs in . This environment fostered resilience amid the city's socioeconomic pressures, where households like his emphasized familial support and personal initiative rather than reliance on external aid. The Londoño family maintained cohesion through shared values, with the artist's "Maluma" derived from the first syllables of his mother (Ma-), father (Lu-), and sister (Ma-), reflecting tight-knit bonds. The of his parents introduced financial hardships, prompting Londoño, around age 10, to assume responsibilities by selling sandwiches and candy at to contribute to household needs and support his mother and sister. He later described positioning himself as the "man of the house," an experience that cultivated and a pragmatic outlook on overcoming adversity through individual effort, distinct from broader systemic narratives often highlighted in academic or media accounts of Colombian urban life. These formative dynamics in post-conflict underscored family-centric priorities and ambition grounded in tangible action over victimhood frameworks.

Initial exposure to music

Maluma's initial interest in music stemmed from the cultural sounds of his upbringing, where rhythms and were ubiquitous, alongside family listening habits that exposed him to global icons. He cited as a formative influence during his teenage years, admiring the singer's showmanship and international appeal, which fueled his own creative aspirations. Local pioneers like also shaped his early affinity for urban beats, reflecting the genre's rising dominance in Colombian youth culture without formal training. Initially prioritizing soccer—having joined youth teams like at age 7 and training for a decade—Maluma began losing enthusiasm for the sport around age 15, redirecting his energy toward music amid growing personal passion. This pivot crystallized when, at 15, he co-wrote his first song, "No Quiero," with a high school friend, demonstrating raw initiative in a working-class environment lacking industry access. A family relative's connection provided his breakthrough opportunity: uncle Juan Parra, linked to local producers, facilitated the recording of a demo, allowing Maluma to experiment with vocals and basic production for the first time. Self-taught in songwriting through trial-and-error composition during hours, he honed persistence amid rejections, underscoring individual drive over structured mentorship in reggaeton's competitive scene.

Career

Beginnings and debut (2010–2013)

In 2011, at the age of 17, Maluma independently secured radio for his debut single "Farandulera," released on July 6, which became a local hit in and marked his initial entry into the music scene. The track's grassroots success on regional stations, achieved without prior industry backing, drew attention from record labels. This momentum led to Maluma signing an exclusive contract with Sony Music in 2012, enabling professional production and distribution. On August 7, 2012, he released his debut studio album Magia, a 19-track project blending urban pop and elements, supported by singles like "Obsesión." Magia garnered modest regional traction, peaking on local charts and establishing Maluma's presence among youth audiences through early live performances and self-promoted engagement, though it did not achieve significant international chart positions at the time. Initial tours focused on venues, building a foundational fanbase via direct fan interactions and regional radio play.

Breakthrough and international rise (2014–2018)

Maluma's second studio album, Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy, was released on October 30, 2015, by Sony Music Latin, marking his pivot toward a more mature reggaeton sound with urban pop elements. The lead single "Borró Cassette," released on June 29, 2015, achieved significant commercial traction, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, number 2 on Latin Pop Airplay, and number 9 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, demonstrating early penetration into U.S. Latin markets. This success was bolstered by a preceding mixtape, PB.DB The Mixtape, issued earlier in 2015, which compiled singles and helped build anticipation. In 2016, Maluma released "Cuatro Babys" featuring Noriel, , and , which sparked backlash for lyrics perceived as promoting and of women, leading to online petitions demanding its removal from platforms. Despite the controversy, the track attained substantial empirical success, reflecting robust demand in markets where such themes were prevalent in at the time. These releases facilitated Maluma's international expansion, with performances at events like the 2017 Festival de underscoring his growing live draw beyond . By 2018, Maluma's third album F.A.M.E. (Fe, Alma, Música, Esencia), released on May 18, debuted at number 1 on the and Latin Rhythm Albums charts, reaching number 37 on the , solidifying his crossover appeal. Tracks like "El Préstamo" and collaborations with international artists such as Nego do Borel on "Corazón" and on "" highlighted strategic partnerships that broadened his audience, with the album's sales and streaming metrics confirming its status as his most commercially potent project to date. This period's chart dominance and global features evidenced Maluma's effective navigation of Latin music's commercial ecosystem, prioritizing high-impact singles over narrative purity.

Consolidation and experimentation (2019–2022)

In 2019, Maluma released his fourth studio album, 11:11, on May 17, comprising 16 tracks produced by figures including Edgar Barrera, , and , with guest appearances from and . The project emphasized cleaner lyrics compared to prior works and blended pop elements with urban influences, supported by singles like "HP" (March 1) and "11 PM" (May 17), the latter ascending to number one on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart by November 23 after 15 weeks on the tally. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted Maluma to adapt by surprise-dropping his fifth album, Papi Juancho, on August 21—a 22-track set fusing trap, , and pop, featuring singles "ADMV" (April 23) and "Hawái" (July 29). "Hawái" capitalized on surging global streaming amid lockdowns, peaking at number one on and generating over a billion Spotify streams, with a remix featuring released November 5 that extended its chart longevity through cross-genre appeal. Papi Juancho debuted at number two on Top Latin Albums and number 36 on the , illustrating how timely digital releases and platform algorithms sustained artist visibility and revenue when live tours halted. By 2022, Maluma further diversified with The Love & Sex Tape, an eight-track EP issued June 10 (deluxe edition August 19 adding three songs), delving into explicit erotic themes across reggaeton-driven cuts like "Cositas de la USA" and collaborations with and Lenny Tavárez on "Sexo Sin Título." This release marked a maturation in lyrical content, prioritizing sensual narratives over earlier romantic motifs, while virtual performances and integrations during ongoing restrictions preserved fan engagement and via streaming royalties.

Recent projects and expansions (2023–present)

In 2023, Maluma released his eighth studio album, , which received a for Best Album at the . The project marked a return to his with introspective themes drawn from personal experiences, including fatherhood, and featured collaborations with artists like and Ryan Castro. Its critical reception highlighted Maluma's maturation in songwriting and production, contributing to sustained fan engagement amid evolving trends. In 2025, Maluma launched the +Pretty +Dirty World Tour, beginning with sold-out performances at City's on August 6. The tour, emphasizing high-energy and pop sets with elaborate stage production including LED screens and pyrotechnics, extended to with dates such as on March 23 and on March 18, drawing large crowds and positive reviews for its spectacle. On August 18, Maluma signed with WME for representation across all areas, aiming to broaden global touring reach following his prior agency split. Recent singles underscored his chart dominance, with "Bronceador" released on July 17 topping Billboard's Latin Airplay chart on September 30—his 25th No. 1 there—driven by radio play and urban appeal. As of October 2025, Maluma's lead artist streams on exceeded 22 billion, reflecting consistent listener retention through versatile output rather than reliance on viral fads. This performance, paired with tour metrics, affirms his position via proven artistry and market adaptability in a competitive Latin sector.

Artistry

Musical style and genres

Maluma's music is primarily anchored in , utilizing the dembow rhythm—a syncopated pattern originating from Jamaican that drives the genre's percussive backbone and energetic propulsion. This foundation is frequently fused with for melodic accessibility, urban elements for rhythmic intensity, and for hip-hop-infused beats and atmospheric production, resulting in tracks that prioritize dance-floor appeal through polished hooks and layered synths. Salsa influences occasionally appear in collaborative or experimental contexts, broadening his urban palette without dominating his core output. A hallmark of his vocal style is the prominent use of , which smooths pitch variations and imparts a glossy, radio-ready texture common to and trap production techniques, enhancing commercial viability amid the genre's emphasis on stylized delivery over raw vocal acrobatics. Early albums like Magia (2012) and (2015) leaned into high-octane party anthems with urban collaborations, charting extensively on Billboard's Latin rhythms lists for their straightforward, beat-driven formula. His sound evolved toward greater versatility by the late , incorporating introspective ballads and trap hybrids in releases such as F.A.M.E. (), which earned a Latin Grammy for best contemporary pop vocal album, and Papi Juancho (), peaking at No. 34 on the with 24 weeks on chart. This progression reflects adaptations to market dynamics, evidenced by sustained performance across diverse Latin chart categories, including pop and tropical songs, while maintaining reggaeton's dembow pulse as a unifying thread.

Influences and collaborations


Maluma has identified salsa pioneer Héctor Lavoe, alongside pop artists Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, as primary musical influences shaping his urban pop style, which fuses reggaeton rhythms with melodic hooks for commercial viability. These inspirations manifest in his adoption of accessible pop structures, evident in tracks blending Latin urban beats with polished production to appeal beyond regional audiences, prioritizing hit potential over niche authenticity. He has also drawn from hip-hop figures like 50 Cent, Ja Rule, and Eminem, incorporating assertive flows and street-infused lyrics that enhance the rhythmic drive in his reggaeton output.
Collaborations with established artists have causally expanded Maluma's sonic palette and market reach, often through co-writing that integrates diverse genre elements into his core urban Latin framework. His 2019 partnership with on "," the lead single from her album Madame X, incorporated electronic and Portuguese-influenced textures, resulting in over 500 million streams and broadening his exposure to non-Latin markets via Madonna's established fanbase. Similarly, tracks "Pa' Ti" and "Lonely" with in 2020, produced for the film Marry Me, merged dembow with R&B harmonies, yielding combined streams exceeding 300 million and demonstrating adaptive fusion for soundtrack synergy. Within Latin urban scenes, collaborations like "Qué Pena" with in 2019 reinforced trap-reggaeton hybrids, amassing over 1 billion views on and exemplifying peer-driven refinement of formulaic hooks tailored for streaming algorithms. Earlier works such as "" with (2016) and "" with (2016) similarly propelled chart dominance, with "" topping Billboard's for two weeks, illustrating how high-profile pairings accelerate adoption of crossover pop elements while maintaining urban authenticity. These partnerships, frequently involving shared credits, have empirically correlated with spikes in global plays, underscoring a strategy of leveraging established names to evolve sound toward scalable, genre-blending hits rather than static stylistic adherence.

Vocal technique and production

Maluma's extends from D3 to F4, encompassing approximately 1.3 octaves, which supports a mid-range classification well-suited to the melodic hooks and rhythmic phrasing characteristic of and Latin urban tracks. His technique prioritizes smooth, emotive delivery over expansive belting or agility, focusing on accessible phrasing that enhances commercial appeal in choruses, as evidenced in songs like "," where the range is fully utilized within these confines. In studio production, Maluma actively participates in songwriting and collaborates with producers to layer vocals, employing effects such as and reverb for a polished, consistent that mitigates perceived limitations in raw range or power. Key collaborators include Sky Rompiendo, who co-produced tracks like "Qué Pena" with in 2019, integrating trap-influenced beats with Maluma's melodic lines to create layered harmonic textures. Similarly, Edgar Barrera has contributed to multiple albums, refining Maluma's input into radio-optimized arrangements since their initial meetings around 2010. Live performances reveal a more unprocessed vocal approach, where Maluma's mid-range delivery holds steady on hooks but can exhibit strain on prolonged high notes or during high-energy sets, contrasting the studio's enhancement-heavy method that prioritizes seamless playback over acoustic purity. This evolution in production, from early synthetic-heavy to incorporating live instrumentation in later works like those post-2019, aims to bridge studio polish with performance realism, though critiques highlight ongoing reliance on backing tracks for vocal support in concerts.

Public image and controversies

Media portrayal and fanbase

Maluma has been frequently portrayed in media as a charismatic "pretty boy" and , particularly during his early career breakthrough with the 2015 album , which emphasized his youthful appeal and urban style. Outlets have highlighted his physical attractiveness and flirtatious persona in songs like "Sin Contrato," contributing to his image as an unapologetic heartthrob who leverages visual allure in music videos and social posts. Over time, coverage has shifted to depict him as a maturing artist balancing sensuality with artistic depth, as seen in recent releases like the 2024 single "Cosas Pendientes," which nods to his earlier era while signaling personal growth amid fatherhood and global tours. His fanbase predominantly consists of young females, with Instagram analytics indicating that approximately 64.9% of his 64 million followers are women, many in the teen to pre-30 age demographic. This appeal extends to the global Latin diaspora, where his reggaeton roots resonate with Latinx communities in the U.S. and beyond, fostering loyalty through culturally affirming content. Social media platforms amplify this engagement, with Maluma's Instagram yielding an average engagement rate of 0.95%, including hundreds of thousands of likes and comments per post, which directly supports fan-driven merchandise sales and tour attendance. Media has also positively covered Maluma's work ethic, noting his relentless touring schedule and studio output since signing with in 2015, alongside philanthropic efforts through his El Arte de los Sueños foundation, which provides arts education to at-risk youth in . He received the ' Spirit of Hope Award in 2020 for initiatives like donating millions to Colombian families and hospitals during the , aspects often emphasized in Latin-focused outlets to highlight his community ties over sporadic negative scrutiny in broader media.

Accusations of misogyny in lyrics

Maluma's in songs such as "Cuatro Babys" (2016) and "Mala Mia" (2018) have drawn accusations of for depicting women in roles emphasizing sexual availability and relational transience, portraying them as interchangeable partners or objects of male conquest. Critics, including feminist activists, argued that lines in "Cuatro Babys"—which references four women each bearing the singer's child without commitment—reinforce stereotypes of female and irresponsibility, contributing to broader cultural narratives that normalize such dynamics in . An in 2017 labeled the track misogynistic and called for its removal from streaming platforms, reflecting early organized pushback amid the song's release as a single featuring Noriel, , and Juhn. Similar scrutiny targeted "Mala Mia," where the music video and were faulted for promoting women's through imagery of and , prompting campaigns like #MejorSolaQueConMaluma to counter the narrative with feminist reinterpretations. In April 2018, a in , , organized by activist Carlota Lera, gathered thousands of signatures demanding the cancellation of Maluma's performance at the San Antolín festival, citing his "sexist, misogynist, and degrading towards women" as incompatible with public programming; the effort highlighted like those mentioned as exemplars of harmful portrayals. These critiques, often amplified by left-leaning outlets and academic discussions prone to ideological framing, positioned Maluma's work within reggaeton's tradition of machismo-infused male perspectives, where frequently explore dominance and desire from a heterosexual male viewpoint rooted in street and urban cultural expressions. Despite the backlash, "Cuatro Babys" achieved commercial viability, peaking at number 15 on the chart and number 21 in , underscoring a disconnect between activist objections and audience reception in a where such thematic elements have long prevailed without derailing popularity. This empirical success illustrates how reggaeton's lyrical conventions—often drawing from real-life male experiences of casual relationships and bravado—persist amid selective outrage, with accusations reflecting broader tensions over versus rather than uniform condemnation.

Responses to criticisms and defenses

Maluma has consistently defended his lyrics as artistic expressions rooted in personal experiences and cultural realities rather than endorsements of harmful behavior. In response to a 2016 petition on Change.org seeking to ban "Cuatro Babys" from radio stations for allegedly promoting violence against women, he asserted, "I’m an artist and I have to express what I feel," emphasizing that the song reflects aspects of his life and serves as entertainment without dictating real-world actions. He further clarified that such content mirrors youthful nightlife dynamics, distinguishing his stage persona from his private conduct, which he described as shaped by respect for women instilled by family. Addressing broader accusations of amid campaigns like #MejorSolaQueConMaluma in 2018, Maluma reiterated in interviews that he was raised to "respect and value women," crediting his mother and sister for these values, and argued that his music captures relatable social scenes rather than prescriptive ideology. He viewed criticisms as opportunities for growth but rejected them as misinterpretations, noting that fans, including women, voluntarily engage with his work, as evidenced by the song's commercial dominance— "Cuatro Babys" amassed over 1 billion streams on by 2020 despite the backlash. This market validation, including sold-out tours with predominantly female audiences, underscores individual agency in media consumption over imposed . Defenses extend to reggaeton's genre conventions, where explicit narratives parallel those in rap and hip-hop, functioning as fictional rather than literal advocacy. Maluma's collaborations with female artists like and , yielding hits such as "" (2016) and joint performances, further contradict claims of systemic , as these partnerships reflect mutual professional respect and creative synergy. Critiques, often amplified by European activist petitions garnering thousands of signatures but failing to halt his global success, overlook reggaeton's Latin American origins in urban street culture, where such lyrics entertain without causal evidence of societal harm, prioritizing artistic liberty over selective moral outrage.

Other incidents and public reactions

In November 2022, during the in , Maluma abruptly left a live with Israel's KAN News after the reporter questioned his participation in the event amid allegations of Qatari abuses, including migrant worker exploitation and restrictions on women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Maluma responded by calling the reporter "rude" and walked off set, later performing in as part of festivities. Critics, including online commentators, accused him of dodging accountability and contributing to sportswashing—Qatar's use of high-profile events to deflect scrutiny from documented labor deaths estimated at over 6,500 and other systemic issues—while supporters viewed his exit as a principled refusal to engage in politicized ambush journalism. Maluma's involvement in the , including his feature on the official song "" with and , amplified debates over artists' complicity in hosting controversies, with groups highlighting Qatar's kafala sponsorship system that bound workers to employers under conditions akin to forced labor. Public reactions split along lines of event legitimacy versus ethical boycotts, though Maluma maintained focus on the performance's artistic merits without addressing compensation details publicly. On August 10, 2025, during a in , Maluma halted his performance mid-song upon noticing a mother holding a one-year-old without ear protection in the front row, urging her to prioritize the infant's hearing amid loud volumes exceeding 100 decibels that pose risks of permanent damage. He stated, "For the next time, be a bit more aware, OK?" before resuming, an action praised by some for demonstrating paternal responsibility—Maluma himself a since 2023—but criticized by others as public shaming that overstepped into judgmental territory, sparking discussions on parental autonomy at events. These mixed responses underscored broader tensions between interventions in audience behavior and expectations of private decision-making.

Business ventures

Launch and growth of Remanence

Maluma founded as an independent and outdoor apparel brand, serving as its and emphasizing production to support local employment and utilize in . The brand launched publicly on October 29, 2024, with a runway show featuring 27 looks at the EPM Intelligent Building in , , showcasing versatile tech wear designed for urban movement and all-day comfort. Initial collections, such as NEXIS, focused on functional pieces blending innovation with aesthetic utility, produced entirely in to align with Maluma's vision of authentic, non-corporate-backed rooted in his hometown's craftsmanship. Remanence's early market strategy prioritized online sales through its official website, supplemented by experiential pop-up activations to build engagement without relying on traditional retail intermediaries. By mid-2025, the brand initiated a pop-up tour across , starting in on July 27, 2025, to immerse fans in its lifestyle ethos and drive in-person discovery. This approach leveraged Maluma's established fanbase for organic promotion, fostering loyalty through product quality and cultural resonance rather than subsidized marketing or diversity-driven incentives. Post-launch growth reflected strong demand, with monthly sales increasing at approximately 30% as of July 2025, attributed to the brand's emphasis on durable, performance-oriented activewear tailored to urban lifestyles. Expansion into broader outdoor categories followed, maintaining a commitment to local design and production for sustained authenticity and market differentiation. The venture's trajectory underscored the causal link between high-quality, regionally sourced goods and consumer retention, evidenced by repeat online purchases and pop-up attendance tied to Maluma's personal endorsement.

Expansion into athleisure and partnerships

In 2025, Remanence accelerated its growth by shifting focus to offline retail channels, implementing pop-up tours across key markets and securing wholesale agreements with select distributors. This strategy complemented the brand's model established post-launch, aiming to broaden accessibility in physical retail environments while maintaining control over brand presentation. The expansion incorporated and outdoor gear lines, featuring water-repellent jackets, functional pockets, and versatile tech-wear pieces designed for both sporty and casual use, reflecting Maluma's vision of adaptable, everyday functionality. Production remained centered in , with partnerships emphasizing local innovation and ethical practices to differentiate from mass-produced competitors. Prices for core items ranged from $80 to $220, positioning Remanence in the premium segment of the market. Exploratory wholesale deals extended to European retailers, signaling international scaling potential amid competitive dynamics where celebrity-endorsed ventures succeed through product merit rather than fame alone. Initial offline initiatives demonstrated operational viability, with pop-up events driving direct and validating demand for made-in-Colombia premium apparel.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Maluma, born Juan Luis Londoño Arias, derives his stage name from the first syllables of his family members' names: his mother Marlli Arias, father Luis Londoño, and older sister Manuela Londoño Arias. Raised in a working-class household in , , his father worked in logistics while his mother managed the home, instilling values of diligence and perseverance that influenced his early career pursuits in music and soccer. His parents' during his shaped his cautious approach to long-term commitments, as he has reflected in interviews, emphasizing the importance of stability learned from familial challenges. Despite rising fame, Maluma maintains a deliberate distance from public scrutiny of his personal ties, rarely confirming details beyond essential announcements and avoiding engagement with unsubstantiated rumors. In his romantic history, Maluma was in a confirmed relationship with Cuban-Croatian model Natalia Barulich from 2017 to 2019, which began during the filming of his music video "Felices los 4" and ended amid reports of infidelity allegations against her. He has been linked to Colombian interior designer Susana Gómez since late 2020, describing their partnership as grounded in mutual support away from the spotlight, though he refrains from extensive media disclosures. Earlier associations, such as rumored brief involvements with models like Winnie Harlow or singer Anitta, remain unconfirmed by Maluma himself and were not publicly substantiated.

Fatherhood and privacy

Maluma and his girlfriend, architect Susana Gómez, welcomed their daughter, Paris Londoño Gómez, on March 9, 2024, at 8:23 a.m. The singer announced the birth the following day via an post featuring a of Paris's hand, expressing profound joy and describing her as "the love of our lives." In subsequent interviews, Maluma stated that fatherhood fundamentally altered his perspective, remarking that "everything changed" and emphasizing the need to lead by example as a . While Maluma has shared occasional glimpses of family life on —such as photos of himself cradling or celebrating milestones like her first —he has maintained strict boundaries to protect her from public scrutiny. This approach reflects his intent to shield his daughter from the excesses of the entertainment industry, prioritizing her well-being over widespread exposure. He has discussed relocating aspects of his life, including to Turks and Caicos, to foster a more private family environment amid ongoing career demands. Maluma's commitment to parental responsibility manifested publicly during an August 10, 2025, concert in , where he paused the performance to address a mother in the audience who had brought her one-year-old without ear protection. Drawing from his experience as Paris's father, he urged greater awareness of potential hearing risks from loud environments, stating, "For the next time, be a bit more aware, ?" This incident underscored his evolving priorities, framing fatherhood as a catalyst for advocating beyond his .

Recognition

Major awards

Maluma received the for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album for his album F.A.M.E. at the 19th Annual on November 15, 2018. He won the for Best Latin for "Qué Pena" (featuring ) at the on August 30, 2020. At the on November 14, 2021, Maluma was awarded Best Latin Act. Maluma secured Pop Male Artist of the Year, The Perfect Mix of the Year for "Según Quién" (with ), and Mexican Music Collaboration of the Year for the same track at the 36th Premio Lo Nuestro on February 22, 2024. These accolades, particularly the Latin Grammy, aligned with commercial milestones such as F.A.M.E.'s platinum certification in multiple markets following the win.

Nominations and chart achievements

Maluma earned a nomination for Best Latin Pop Album at the for his 2023 release , marking one of his three career Grammy nods to date. At the , he received a nomination for Song of the Year for "Según Quién" (featuring ) at the 25th Annual ceremony in 2024, contributing to his total of 18 nominations across the awards' history. On Billboard's Latin Airplay chart, Maluma has secured 25 number-one hits as of September 2025, with "Bronceador" ascending to the top on the chart dated October 4, 2025, extending his record among Latin artists for most leaders on the radio-focused ranking. His track record includes earlier milestones like "Mala Mia" topping the chart in 2018. Multiple singles, including "Hawái" and "Felices los 4," have also reached number one on the Hot Latin Songs chart, which aggregates airplay, sales, and streaming data, underscoring sustained commercial dominance in Latin music markets. Maluma's global appeal is further evidenced by verifiable streaming metrics, with his catalog surpassing 31.5 billion plays on as of October 2025, reflecting direct consumer preference over subjective industry voting. Several , such as those for his biggest hits, have individually exceeded 1 billion views on , amplifying his reach beyond traditional charts. These objective indicators of audience consumption provide a more reliable gauge of impact than nominations alone, prioritizing empirical engagement data.

Works

Discography

Maluma released his debut studio album, Magia, on August 7, 2012, through , which earned gold certification in . His subsequent albums shifted toward and , with F.A.M.E. (2018) achieving diamond certification (10× platinum) from the RIAA's Latin division after selling over 600,000 units in the United States. Papi Juancho (2020) included the single "Hawái," released on July 29, 2020, which received diamond certification (14× platinum) from the RIAA and amassed billions of global streams. In 2022, he issued the EP The Love & Sex Tape on June 10, featuring eight tracks in its standard edition emphasizing urban and sensual themes. His sixth studio album, , followed on August 25, 2023, comprising 25 tracks including bonus material.
Studio AlbumRelease DateLabelSelected Certifications and Metrics
MagiaAugust 7, 2012 Music ColombiaGold (Colombia)
Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy2015 LatinNo. 1 on
F.A.M.E.May 18, 2018 LatinDiamond (10× Platinum, RIAA Latin); No. 1 on ; over 600,000 US units sold
11:11May 17, 2019 Latin-
Papi JuanchoAugust 21, 2020 LatinNo. 1 on
Don JuanAugust 25, 2023 Latin-
Notable singles include "Hawái," which peaked on global streaming charts and contributed to Maluma's accumulation of over 22 billion total artist streams as of October 2025. "Según Quién," a 2023 collaboration with released August 17, topped Billboard's Latin Airplay chart for four weeks.

Concert tours

Maluma's initial live performances followed the 2012 release of his debut album Magia, consisting primarily of regional shows in , including hometown appearances in , which helped build a dedicated local following before expanding to broader Latin American circuits. These early engagements laid the groundwork for his transition to international touring with the promotion of later albums, emphasizing high-energy sets that drew increasing crowds in arenas and festivals across . His first headlining world tour, the World Tour (also known as the Maluma World Tour), supported his 2015 sophomore album and ran from 2016 to 2017, encompassing over 90 dates in , , and , with notable stops at venues like DirecTV Arena in . The tour marked Maluma's breakthrough in global live markets, featuring elaborate stage production that blended urban pop and elements to sold-out crowds in emerging international territories. The F.A.M.E. Tour in 2018, tied to his third album F.A.M.E., comprised a 23-city North American leg starting March 23 in , followed by a 21-city European run, attracting tens of thousands through performances that showcased matured choreography and collaborations. This outing solidified his arena-level draw, with reports of consistent sell-outs underscoring his appeal beyond streaming success. The 11:11 World Tour (2019–2020) for the album 11:11 achieved significant commercial scale, with 38 reported shows grossing $23,622,432 and drawing 266,638 attendees at an average ticket price of $88.59, including record-setting nights like a $738,000 gross from 7,098 tickets at in . Interrupted by the , it highlighted Maluma's production values, such as spacecraft-themed openings, and contributed to his cumulative ticket sales exceeding 862,000 across prior tours as tracked by . Post-pandemic, the Papi Juancho Tour in 2021 resumed live momentum across 23 cities, positioning Maluma as an early adapter to resumed touring protocols. The subsequent Papi Juancho Tour in 2022 set an attendance benchmark at Madrid's Movistar Arena with over 17,200 fans, breaking the venue's prior record and affirming his European viability. Launched in March 2025, the +Pretty +Dirty World Tour features sold-out arena dates in —such as on March 15, on March 18, and on March 23—followed by Latin American stadium shows, including in on May 3 and in on August 6, reflecting ongoing demand with average grosses around $600,000 per performance. These tours collectively demonstrate Maluma's sustainability through live revenue, often rivaling album sales in financial impact for Latin artists.

Filmography and television

Maluma's involvement in film and television has been secondary to his music career, with appearances limited to , a minor live-action role, and judging or mentoring positions on talent shows. These ventures highlight his crossover appeal in Latin but have not extended to lead acting parts or extensive scripted television work. In animation, Maluma provided the voice for Mariano Guzmán, the affable fiancé of the protagonist's sister, in Disney's (2021), contributing the song "" to the soundtrack. His sole live-action film credit is as , a bandmate and friend to the lead character played by , in the romantic comedy Marry Me (2022).
YearTitleRoleType
2021EncantoMariano Guzmán (voice)Animated film
2022Marry MeBastian
On television, Maluma served as a coach and judge on La Voz Kids Colombia for its inaugural seasons in 2014 and 2015, evaluating young contestants alongside Fanny Lu and on . He hosted the inaugural Kids' Choice Awards Colombia, expanding his presence in youth-oriented programming. In 2022, he narrated the sports documentary series Mi Selección Colombia. More recently, in 2024, Maluma acted as a playoff mentor for Team on season 25 of NBC's The Voice, advising contestants on performance techniques. These roles underscore his expertise in music coaching rather than dramatic acting.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.