Juan Luis Londoño Arias, known professionally as Maluma, is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and actor born on January 28, 1994, in Medellín, Colombia. He developed an interest in music at a young age and began recording songs at sixteen. His stage name is a combination of the first two letters of the names of his mother, Marlli, his father, Luis, and his sister, Manuela.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Growing up, Maluma was an avid football player, competing in the lower divisions of Atlético Nacional and La Equidad. However, his passion for music eventually took precedence. At fifteen, he composed a song called "No quiero" with a friend, and his uncle gifted him the opportunity to record it in a studio. This experience solidified his desire to pursue a music career. In 2010, he began recording singles, and after his song "Farandulera" became a local radio hit, he was signed by Sony Music Colombia.
Rise to Fame
Maluma's debut album, "Magia," was released in 2012 and earned him a Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. His breakthrough came with his 2015 album, "Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy," which blended reggaeton with pop and urban music. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. He has since released several successful albums, including "F.A.M.E." (2018), "11:11" (2019), and "Papi Juancho" (2020). His single "Hawái" became a global hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Global 200. Maluma has collaborated with numerous international artists, including Shakira, Madonna, The Weeknd, and Jennifer Lopez.
Musical Style and Influences
Maluma's music is primarily described as reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop. He has cited Héctor Lavoe, Justin Timberlake, and Michael Jackson as his main musical inspirations. He is known for his romantic and raw musical style, often incorporating ballads, mambo, and merengue into his albums.
Acting and Other Ventures
In addition to his music career, Maluma has ventured into acting. He voiced the character of Mariano in the Disney animated film "Encanto" (2021) and starred alongside Jennifer Lopez in the romantic comedy "Marry Me" (2022). He is also considered a style icon and has launched his own fashion line.
Philanthropy
In 2016, Maluma founded the El Arte de los Sueños (The Art of Dreams) foundation. The organization, based in his hometown of Medellín, aims to help at-risk youth connect with the arts through programs in singing, dancing, and percussion. The foundation provides educational opportunities to prepare children for a future in the arts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maluma and his foundation donated to families in need and provided essential medical supplies to hospitals in Colombia.