Maluma
Colombia
Maluma is one of the most influential figures in Latin pop and reggaeton, known for his smooth vocals, infectious rhythms, and undeniable charisma. Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, Maluma is part of a new wave of artists transforming the city’s music scene, helping to redefine Medellín’s cultural identity on the global stage. His rise to prominence has played a crucial role in reshaping the city’s image, distancing it from its infamous past.
Maluma first gained attention with his 2012 debut album Magia, which established him as a rising star in Latin music. His follow-up album, Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy (2015), further solidified his status, with hit singles like "Borró Cassette" and "El Perdedor" dominating charts across Latin America. However, it was his 2017 breakthrough hit "Felices los 4" that truly propelled him to international fame. The song’s catchy blend of reggaeton and pop resonated far beyond the Spanish-speaking world, becoming a global hit and marking Maluma as one of the leading Latin artists of his generation.
In addition to his success with "Felices los 4", Maluma expanded his global reach with the hit single "Corazón", a collaboration with Brazilian artist Nego do Borel. This foray into the Portuguese-language music scene further broadened his appeal in lusophone markets, showing his versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences. He has also worked with Brazilian singer Anitta on "Sim ou Não", further solidifying his presence in both Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking markets.
Maluma's collaboration with Madonna in 2019 on the track "Medellín" shone an international spotlight on his hometown, showcasing the vibrant and evolving music scene in the city. The track also cemented his standing in global pop, with the pairing of reggaeton and Madonna’s signature style earning significant attention.
Throughout his career, Maluma has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Shakira, Karol G, Ricky Martin, The Weeknd, and J Balvin. His collaboration with Shakira on "Chantaje" was a massive hit, accumulating billions of views on YouTube and solidifying his place in the upper echelons of Latin pop. He has also ventured into acting, making his debut in the 2022 romantic comedy Marry Me alongside Jennifer Lopez, showcasing his talents beyond music.
Committed to giving back to his community, Maluma founded the El Arte de Los Sueños foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Colombia through arts and music programmes. His dedication to helping young people find their voice reflects his own journey from Medellín to the global stage.
Discover Maluma's music below (links open on external pages/platforms):
*Note, some of the content of the linked songs/videos is explicit.
Click here to open Maluma's Spotify Artist page.
Click here to test your listening skills with Maluma's Lyricstraining Artist page.
Below are YouTube links to some of our favourite Maluma songs in Spanish:
Discover more with his YouTube Artist page here.