Juan Luis Londoño Arias, known professionally as Maluma, is a Colombian rapper, singer, and songwriter who has sold more than 18 million records. Born in 1994 in Medellín, he derived his stage name from the first syllables of the names of his mother Marlli, his father Luis, and his sister Manuela, signaling a career deeply rooted in his personal identity.
Early Development
Before his rise in music, Maluma focused on association football, competing in the reserve teams of Atlético Nacional and La Equidad. While attending the Hontanares School in El Retiro, he began pursuing music after his uncle, Juan Parra, gifted him a studio recording session for his sixteenth birthday. His early tracks, including his first composition "No quiero," garnered enough attention from producers to secure a contract with Sony Music Colombia.
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Following his 2012 debut album Magia, the artist achieved a significant breakthrough with the 2015 release of Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy. This project firmly established his presence in reggaeton and Latin trap. Subsequent releases, including F.A.M.E. in 2018 and the surprise-released Papi Juancho in 2020, reinforced his commercial standing. His single "Hawái" earned global recognition, becoming the first number one single on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Collaborative Ventures
Maluma has maintained a consistent record of international collaborations. He joined Shakira on the track "Chantaje" and partnered with Madonna for "Medellín" and "Bitch I'm Loca." His repertoire also includes work with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, J Balvin, and The Weeknd. Beyond pure music, his career encompasses acting roles, including a performance in the film Marry Me and voice work for the Disney production Encanto.
Fast facts
- Full Name: Juan Luis Londoño Arias
- Born: 28 January 1994, Medellín, Colombia
- Primary Genres: Reggaeton, Latin trap, Pop
- Debut Album: Magia (2012)
- Latin Grammy Award: Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album (2018)
- Acting Roles: Marry Me, Encanto
- Citizenship: Colombia
Questions readers ask
What is the meaning behind the name Maluma?
It is a combination of the first syllables of the names of his mother, Marlli, his father, Luis, and his sister, Manuela.
Did Maluma play sports professionally?
He competed in the lower divisions of the reserve teams for Atlético Nacional and La Equidad as a football player.
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