Juan Luis Londoño is a Colombian reggaeton singer born in Medellín, Colombia and goes by the stage name Maluma. His artistic name Maluma came from the two first letters of his mother’s name (Marlli), the other two letters are from his father’s name (Luis), and the last two letters are from his sister’s name (Manuela).
As a young boy Maluma was interested in singing and playing soccer. At the age of 16 he started his career as a reggaeton artist and by the time he turned 17 he released his first album “Magia”. Since then, Maluma has released several hit songs including his first single titled “Farandulera”. Other big hits include “Obsession”, “Loco”, “Hoy”, “Miss Independent” and “La Temperatura”.
In his short musical career Maluma has shared the stage with many popular reggaton artists such as Arcángel, Plan B, J. Alvarez, Alberto Style, Nicky Jam, Ñejo y Dalmata, J Balvin, Reykon, Golpe a Golpe, Jowell y Randy, Lui-G 21 Plus, and Jory Boy. He has also worked with several producers including Dr. Velásquez, Sky, and Alexander DJ.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Maluma to talk about his career.
é: Congratulations on your success in Colombia! Are you excited to be crossing over to the United States? What are your thoughts on bringing your music here?
Maluma: Thanks, of course I’m excited because of what has happened in Latin American countries like Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Honduras, and Guatemala. It’s pretty clear to our team that Latinos all over the USA are going to approve of and support our efforts, our music, and our #ColombianSwagg.
é: Your name Maluma comes from your family. So family is very important for you?
Maluma: Definitely, family is the most important thing in my life. It’s the heart and soul of my music career.
é: How has your culture influenced you as an artist?
Maluma: Culture has helped me define what my artistic character is. The blending of all Latin rhythms like salsa, reggaeton, vallenato, merengue, as well as the Anglo music like hip-hop and pop has helped create my style.
é: What is your routine in creating music? Does it come randomly? Do you sit down and get the creative juices flowing?
Maluma: It just flows. Every time I hear the beat music just comes. I have been blessed with a richness in music culture, so it comes naturally. Great ideas pop out of my head every time I enter the studio.
é: Tell us about your new single La Temperatura Ft. Eli Palacios. You looked like you had fun making the video…how was it collaborating with Eli Palacios?
Maluma: That’s the new single from my up coming album Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy. It was fun and also a great experience to work with Eli because I learned as well. He is a great song writer, singer, producer, and a great human being too, so it was a wonderful experience.
é: Do you still play soccer in your free time?
Maluma: Of course, Soccer has helped me create discipline, and every chance I have when I’m in Medellin I organize matches with old friends. And to tell you the truth I’ve still got it as a Soccer Player.
é: Do you have any special messages to your fans out there?
Maluma: This is my message to all the #Malumaniatics in the world: my heart goes to you, my family; because of you everything has happened in my career.
For more information, you can follow Maluma on twitter @MalumaColombia. Also be part of the movement and Download to our channel Roku LETNetworks or Follow Us on Social Media [ Facebook | Instagram | Twitter ]. #AmLatino
