Maluma

Here’s a full profile on Maluma, the Colombian music artist:

Maluma – Life, Career, and Influence

Maluma – Discover the biography, musical journey, and global impact of Maluma (Juan Luis Londoño Arias), the Colombian singer, songwriter, and entertainer known for hits in reggaeton, Latin pop, and urban music.

Introduction

Maluma (real name Juan Luis Londoño Arias) is a Colombian singer, songwriter, rapper, and occasional actor who has become one of the foremost voices in Latin urban music. reggaeton, Latin trap, and urban pop, often mixing romantic lyrics with danceable rhythms.

Since his debut in the early 2010s, Maluma has achieved international stardom with hit singles, celebrated albums, and high-profile collaborations with artists across genres. He’s also known for his strong visual image, fashion presence, and his capacity to cross over into film and acting.

Early Life and Background

• Born: January 28, 1994, in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia

• Family: His parents are Marlli Arias and Luis Londoño; he has an older sister named Manuela.

• Stage Name: “Maluma” is derived from the first syllables of Marlli, Luis, and Manuela.

• Early Interests: As a youth, Maluma played soccer (football), participating in lower divisions for clubs like Atlético Nacional and La Equidad.

• He began writing and recording music as a teenager. At age 15, he composed a song titled “No quiero”, which later became his first recorded track in a studio as a kind of birthday gift.

Music Career & Milestones

Debut & Early Success (2010–2013)

• Maluma’s early singles included “Farandulera”, which became a radio hit, catching the attention of Sony Music Colombia.

• In 2012, he launched his debut studio album, Magia.

• Singles like “Obsesión”, “Miss Independent”, and “Pasarla Bien” gained traction.

Rise & Breakthrough (2014–2018)

• He released a mixtape, PB.DB The Mixtape, with tracks such as “La Temperatura”.

• In 2015, the album Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy marked a turning point. Hits like “Borró Cassette”, “El Perdedor”, and “Sin Contrato” became chart successes.

• He toured globally (Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy Tour), expanded his audience, and collaborated with other Latin stars.

• In 2018, he released F.A.M.E. (“Faith, Alma, Music & Essence”). Singles such as “Felices los 4” and “Mala Mia” were hits, and he performed at the MTV VMAs.

Recent Years & Global Reach (2019–present)

• 11:11 (2019): featured songs like “11 PM” and “HP”. He also collaborated with Madonna.

• Papi Juancho (2020): released unexpectedly. The single “Hawái” achieved massive success; its remix with The Weeknd charted high globally.

• EP #7DJ (7 Días en Jamaica): released with accompanying music videos.

• Maluma has also entered acting: he played a role in the film Marry Me, starred in Encanto (voice role), etc.

Artistry & Style

• Genre & Vocal Style: He is known for urban pop, with strong foundations in reggaeton and Latin trap. Many of his songs also incorporate pop, romantic, or ballad elements.

• He has described his style as versatile, mixing romantic songs with more energetic urban rhythms.

• Influences: He cites Héctor Lavoe, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Jackson as musical inspirations.

• He also admires Shakira’s fusion of folkloric and modern styles and Ricky Martin as an idol.

• His stage presence, fashion, and visual identity are integral to his brand: bold style choices, strong aesthetics, and use of imagery in music videos.

Personal Life & Public Image

• Maluma is Catholic, though he has expressed openness to appreciating aspects of other religions.

• Relationships: He previously dated model Natalia Barulich (2018–2019).

• He is in a relationship with Susana Gómez, and in March 2024 they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Paris Londoño Gómez.

• He’s known for cultivating a fashion-forward image. In 2022, he launched a fragrance line, Royalty by Maluma.

• In 2025, he was named a global ambassador for BOSS Bottled fragrance.

Achievements & Impact

• Sales & Reach: Maluma is among the best-selling Latin artists, with over 18 million records sold (albums and singles).

• Chart Success: His singles have frequently charted in the top 10 on Billboard Hot Latin Songs. Songs like “Felices los 4”, “Borró Cassette”, “Corazón”, “Hawái” have been commercial hits.

• Collaborations: He has worked with global stars like Shakira, Madonna, The Weeknd, Ricky Martin, J Balvin, and Jennifer Lopez.

• Awards & Recognition: He has won Latin Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Latin American Music Awards, and been nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album.

• Cultural Influence: Maluma is seen as part of the new wave of Latin urban music that has expanded globally. His fashion and visual identity have also made him a style icon.

• Social & Activism: He launched El Arte de los Sueños, a foundation in Colombia focused on helping underprivileged youth through arts and education.

• He has also used music videos for social commentary—for example, “El Perdedor” addressed discrimination against Latin communities.

Selected Quotes & Insights

While Maluma is primarily known for his music rather than a catalog of quotations, here are a few notable reflections and insights attributed to him:

• On naming: His choice of stage name was deeply personal, combining names of his immediate family (mother, father, sister) to create “Maluma.”

• On versatility: He has emphasized that he wants to show different facets—not just urban music, but ballads, romantic songs, and musical diversity.

• On identity and growth: His shift toward parenting, personal life, and more mature themes (as seen in songs like “ADMV”) suggest an evolution in his artistry toward deeper emotional content.

Lessons from Maluma’s Journey

1. Blend roots with innovation
   Maluma has remained grounded in Latin urban genres, while exploring pop, ballads, and cross-genre collaborations. His ability to evolve musically keeps him relevant.

2. Use branding & visual identity powerfully
   His fashion sense, music videos, and style amplify his musical message and extend his brand beyond pure sound.

3. Collaboration expands reach
   Working with international artists—with artists from different languages and styles—has helped him reach broader audiences.

4. Personal branding matters
   The backstory behind “Maluma,” his public persona, and image consistency create a memorable identity.

5. Growth in artistry mirrors personal growth
   As his life changes—fatherhood, relationships—his music has shown more emotional depth and introspection.

6. Give back through creativity
   Through his foundation and artistic platforms, he channels influence into social and cultural impact.