Maluma

Maluma is a Colombian singer, rapper, songwriter, and actor who is one of the most influential figures in Latin music. He is famous for blending reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop, producing numerous global hits like "Felices los 4," "Borró Cassette," and "Hawái," which topped the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. Maluma has sold over 18 million records worldwide and collaborated with international superstars such as Shakira, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and The Weeknd. He has earned a Latin Grammy Award, an MTV Video Music Award, and multiple Latin American Music Awards. In addition to his music career, he has ventured into acting, appearing in the film Marry Me and voicing a character in Disney's Encanto. Maluma continues to release new music and tour, captivating fans with his distinctive style and engaging stage presence.[edit]

Juan Luis Londoño Arias, who would later be known internationally as Maluma, was born on January 28, 1994, in Medellín, Colombia. He spent his formative years in the city, growing up specifically in the Envigado neighborhood, where he was raised within a working-class family. From a very young age, Maluma harbored a deep passion for football, a sport his father greatly encouraged and hoped he would pursue professionally. His talent on the field was evident, leading him to play for the reserve teams of Atlético Nacional and La Equidad, two of Colombia's most prominent soccer clubs.

While attending Hontanares School in El Retiro, a different talent began to emerge and capture his attention. Classmates quickly noticed his exceptional singing abilities and actively encouraged him to participate in local competitions, recognizing his unique vocal gift. Despite his father's strong aspirations for a professional soccer career, Maluma faced a pivotal and difficult decision: to follow his growing passion for music. He ultimately chose this path, beginning to take formal voice lessons and, by the age of 16, actively recording his own songs. This early dedication and raw talent soon caught the attention of the wider music industry. In 2010, he achieved a significant milestone by signing with Sony Music Colombia. The following year, in 2011, he released his debut single, "Farandulera," which rapidly gained local attention and decisively set the stage for his burgeoning career in music. [edit]

Maluma's debut album Magia arrived in 2012 when he was just 17, but his real breakthrough came with 2015's Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy, which went platinum multiple times and spawned hits like "Borró Cassette" and "El Perdedor." In 2016, he collaborated with Shakira on "Chantaje," which topped the Hot Latin Songs chart, and with Ricky Martin on "Vente Pa' Ca." That same year, he became the first male Latino artist to surpass 10 million Instagram followers. His 2017 single "Felices los 4" reached the Billboard Hot 100. In 2018, his album F.A.M.E. won a Latin Grammy for Best Contemporary Pop Album, and he modeled for Dolce & Gabbana's Fall/Winter 2018-19 show. He released 11:11 in 2019 and collaborated with Madonna on "Medellín," which hit number one on the Dance Club Songs chart. In 2020, he surprise-released Papi Juancho, and his single "Hawái" (remixed by The Weeknd) became the first number one on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. He made his acting debut in 2022's Marry Me and voiced Mariano in Disney's Encanto. As of 2026, he continues to tour and release new music. [edit]

Maluma is known for his polished, fashion-forward image and charismatic stage presence. He blends reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop with a smooth vocal style. Media outlets often describe him as a global Latin music ambassador and a crossover artist. His fans, highly active on social media, helped him become the first male Latino artist to reach 10 million Instagram followers in 2016. He uses his platform to share music updates and personal moments with his family, maintaining a close connection with his audience. [edit]

Maluma commands a massive global audience known as the Malumitas, a collective that maintains an intense digital presence and engages in reciprocal support with the artist. This following has been instrumental in his commercial reach, evidenced by his social media dominance where he interacts directly with millions of followers to share personal moments and professional updates. The group's influence extends beyond streaming numbers; they have rallied behind national causes, such as the unified response to the 2026 earthquake in Colombia, demonstrating a loyalty that transcends typical celebrity fandom. Within this ecosystem of adoration, Maluma is recognized as a dominant force in the industry. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, he holds the position of the 435th most famous person in the world, a standing he has maintained from the previous cycle. His prominence within his region is equally distinct, ranking as the 7th most famous person from Colombia. In the specific domain of Latin Music, he sits at the 8th most famous person in Latin Music. These placements reflect a sustained trajectory of cultural impact that tracks global attention across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide.[edit]

The moniker Maluma derives from the first two letters of his parents Luis and Marlli, combined with those of his sister Manuela. He inked these initials on his arm at age fourteen. Prior to his musical career, he was a trained soccer player who joined the youth academy of Atlético Nacional. His aunt, Yudy Arias, is a recognized yoga instructor. He serves as the godfather to Máximo, the son of Pipe Bueno and Luisa Fernanda W. His YouTube channel currently boasts over 12 million subscribers and more than 7.7 billion total views. A significant moment in his modern lore occurred when he joined forces with fellow Colombian stars like Shakira and Karol G to lead a national call for unity following a devastating earthquake. His chart longevity also forms part of his legend, highlighted by the song Tu Recuerdo securing a second Tropical Airplay No. 1.[edit]

Maluma's parents are Marlli Arias, a homemaker, and Luis Fernando Londoño, who worked at a logistics company. He has one older sister, Manuela. His aunt Yudy Arias is a famous yoga instructor. He is the godfather of Pipe Bueno and Luisa Fernanda W's son, Máximo. As of 2026, Maluma lives with his long-term partner Susana Gómez and their daughter, born in March 2024. The couple announced in May 2026 that they are expecting their second child. [edit]

Maluma has collaborated with major international artists including Shakira ('Chantaje,' 'Clandestino'), Madonna ('Medellín'), Jennifer Lopez (film Marry Me), Ricky Martin ('Vente Pa' Ca'), The Weeknd (remix of 'Hawái'), and J Balvin. He has also worked with Anitta and Nego do Borel. [edit]

Maluma was in a relationship with Cuban model Natalia Barulich from 2017 to 2019. They met on the set of his music video for 'Felices los 4,' where she starred. Since 2020, he has been in a relationship with Susana Gómez. The couple welcomed their first daughter in March 2024 and announced in May 2026 that they are expecting their second child. As of 2026, Maluma and Susana Gómez are not married but are in a committed long-term partnership. [edit]

Heading into 2026, iFANN currently estimates Maluma's net worth at $25 Million. This valuation reflects a career built on substantial music sales and streaming performance, with over 18 million records sold globally and billions of plays accumulated across various platforms. Touring remains a primary revenue driver, anchored by major runs such as the 2018 F.A.M.E. tour and its successors. Additional income streams include brand endorsements, partnerships, and acting roles in films like Marry Me and voice work in Disney's Encanto. He has also secured modeling contracts with Dolce & Gabbana and expanded into various business ventures. Since his breakthrough in 2015, his financial standing has grown steadily, supported by consistent chart success and high-profile international collaborations.[edit]

Maluma has won a Latin Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Pop Album for F.A.M.E. in 2018. He also won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Latin for 'Felices los 4' in 2018, and two Latin American Music Awards for Favorite Male Artist in 2018 and 2019. He has received multiple Premio Lo Nuestro, Billboard Latin Music Awards, and Premios Juventud awards. [edit]