If you haven’t yet heard about Latin superstar Maluma, you must have lived under a rock. The Colombian native is not the biggest male singer export from South America in a decade for no reason – from collaborating with the likes of Madonna, Shakira and The Weeknd to being the first Latin artist to headline and sell out London’s O2 Arena to starring in multiple films and contributing to their soundtracks, such as Marry Me and Encanto – Maluma is a force to be reckoned with, and there is no stopping him anytime soon.
But not only music is his strong suit. Maluma has graced the covers of renowned fashion and lifestyle publications, most notably being listed in the “Most Stylish List” by British GQ and titled “Men’s Fashion’s Newest Muse” by Vogue, to name but a few. Additionally to that, he collaborated with high-fashion brands such as BOSS, Versace, Dior, Moschino, and Calvin Klein. This multifaceted approach to artistry reflects his boundless creativity and his ability to bridge music and fashion seamlessly. However, perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Maluma’s legacy is his tireless dedication to giving back. Through his foundation “El Arte de Los Sueños,” he uplifts at-risk youth in Medellín, Colombia, using the power of art and music education to create meaningful change. This also further represents his commitment to discovering and fostering new talent as he has just signed two artists to his record label, Royalty Records.
With over 63M followers on Instagram and billions of streams under his belt, the artist has built up an impressive discography without a doubt, with Pretty Boy Dirty Boy marking his debut that already promoted him to a larger, more international audience. Five albums followed – and now, Maluma has finally unveiled his seventh studio album, DON JUAN, the follow-up to 2020’s PAPI JUANCHO. Only last year, he said farewell to his Papi Juancho character though, which followed up on his Pretty Boy and Dirty Boy personas, and his latest offering is the proper introduction to a more mature side of him. Whilst still staying true to his signature sound, it’s evident how much Maluma has grown over the past few years, and how each ‘character’ has helped him to get to where he is now.
DON JUAN takes us on a transformative journey by delving into the sonic tapestry of Latin American music, celebrating the rich diversity of cultures from Mexico to Colombia. It’s stacked with his outstanding and diverse vocals, poignant lyrics, and infectious melodies. Comprising 26 tracks in total, including 5 bonus additions, the body of work is stacked with an impressive array of both collaborations and solo performances: Featuring artists include fellow Latin hitmakers such as Marc Anthony, Yandel, J Balvin, and Anuel AA – the track “La Formula” with the former and “Diablo, Que Chimba” with the latter are some of the tracks that have already been released earlier this year, giving fans a glimpse of what was to come. Emerging artists, including Ryan Castro, Carin Leon, and Gorgo are featured which again displays Maluma’s passion for pushing the next generation.
With production by the likes of DJ Luian, MadMusick, and The Rudeboyz, to name but a few, the album boasts irresistible beats. While the album shows us a different side to Maluma, it’s proof of how his artistry is unparalleled. One standout track is “Coco Loco” which Maluma debuted earlier this year. Produced by frequent collaborator MadMusick, it’s a catchy and intriguing release that impeccably honors his ‘Don Juan’ persona as a ladies’ man. Another track that stands out is “Nomina”, feat. Puerto Rican duo Jowell y Randy – if you were looking for an absolute club banger, then this is the song for you. There are plenty more songs that deserve a mention, whether that’s the more traditional “Segun Quien” or the upbeat EDM-reminiscent “Parcera” – fact is, the album is a true celebration of Latin Music and shows why Maluma has undoubtedly deserved his role as industry tastemaker.
This week, Maluma embarks on another world tour, kicking off in the US before then performing over 30 dates in Europe – so fans should stay tuned for dates.
