The internet has proven effective in becoming the world’s great connector, enabling global citizens of the world, once distant diasporic relatives, to become digital next door neighbors. Though she remains multiethnic, mother earth’s latest generation of point-click kids are growing increasingly monocultural, in large part because the Millennial set have had virtual windows into one another’s worlds since they could walk, talk, text, and download. Influenced by the moves and music of the hottest artists in North America – namely Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne, and Drake – Medellín, Colombia’s own Maluma is urban music’s brightest Latin star. Talented and hardworking with GQ looks and OG wisdom, Maluma, 20, is the hottest singer and dancer of South America’s now generation – Colombia’s young G reppin’ Gen-Y worldwide.
Born Juan Luis Londoño Arias, Maluma began his musical career in 2010. A star soccer player in high school, he opted to pursue his other passion for recording hits instead of the one for scoring goals. His debut album “Magia” proved a national success, being certified Gold in Colombia and landing the performer his first Latin Grammy nomination. Maluma’s latest singles, “Addicted”, “Carnaval”, and “La Temperatura”, have each contributed to the sculpting of his statue, a catalogue built to solidify his status as one of the biggest names in the world – and ultimately set what only time will tell in stones. Earlier this year Maluma won MTV’s prestigious Colombian Artist of the Year Award, the youngest to ever be so honored.
Now on tour worldwide in advance of his fan demanded sophomore album, “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy” on Sony Colombia, Maluma – who plays guitar and sings in both Spanish and English – is also a host and judge on La Voz Kids, Telemundo’s popular teen version of The Voice. The Latin heartthrob took a break from making music, greeting fans, and traveling the globe, to discuss his influences, love for the ladies, and the exciting new progressive culture in his native Colombia, with Pure DOPE editor Tone Swep.
Written by Tone Swep
Read the Full Length Interview
(Tone Swep: TS) In the beginning, as a teenager, you were a standout soccer player. You would probably be starring for the Colombian national team right now with guys like Mario Yepes, playing against stars like Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez. Do you ever miss being a footballer and playing competitively?
(MALUMA) I have never regretted taking the decision to pursue my music career. Soccer is one of my passions and even though I played really well in the teams I was part of, I’ve never really given thought to what would’ve been if instead of following my music dream, I pursued the soccer dream.
(TS) Describe your childhood. How was it growing up as a young boy in Medellin? What was life like for you and the Arias family?
(MALUMA) My life was that of an ordinary teenager in a family with many principals and morals and also very united. My life was basically school and soccer. I had practice every day in the afternoon. Even though I’ve always loved to sing, I never thought that I would take this path until that one day I had the opportunity to go in and record in a studio. It was how we say, love at first sight.
(TS) Your stage name Maluma is a testament to your family, namely your mother Marli, father Luis, and sister Manuela (Maluma). That’s a clever way to represent your family with your name. How did you come up with that? How close a family are you?
(MALUMA) Before entering the music industry and still playing soccer, I got a tattoo with the name MALUMA like a form of always having my family permanently present, but I never did it thinking of an artistic name. The truth is that when I started in the music world I tried looking for an artistic name and couldn’t find another one other than Maluma (Laughs!). Anyways, a lot of my friends on the soccer team and in school already called me by that name.
(TS) You incorporate some Hip Hop sound and style into your songs and performances. Who are some American rappers you listen to and would like to collaborate with?
(MALUMA) I’ve always been a great admirer of many American rappers that have influenced me music-wise. I can name many, but I think I’d run out of space (Laughs!). Among them are Chris Brown, Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Jay Z and the Canadian rapper Drake.
(TS) Daddy Yankee is a Reggaeton legend. And Shakira is a global superstar. They crossed Latin Urban music over into the mainstream, but your music is even more diverse than theirs – reaches a broader audience with Pop, R&B, and Hip Hop. Who were some of your early musical influences as singers and performers?
(MALUMA) I admire and respect both artists. Their careers have been very well managed and they have influenced millions of people. Going back to my musical influences, they’re more amplified, not only for me but for anyone in my youthful generation. Since I can recall I always had the opportunity to listen to any type of music from any part in the world thanks to the internet. It has allowed me to mix different types of sounds, rhythms, and genres, making my proposal to music have a wider range and covering so many more musical genres.
(TS) “Magia” is your breakout album, the debut that put you on the global map. And now “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy” is coming soon. But recently you have released some bangers, man. Including “La Curiosidad”, “Addicted” and Carnaval”. Are you ready for worldwide superstardom? How will your new album, “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy” differ from your first album?
(MALUMA) My album “Magia” was the one who opened the doors for me and allowed me to enter more in the different countries of Latin America. My priority has always been to be recognized for my musical talent more than anything else, but with success in the musical and influencing thousands of today’s youth comes the responsibility of becoming a public figure, a reference we can say. Part of success is to constantly be preparing yourself for what could come. Answering the question, if I’m ready to be a worldwide star, the answer is… Yes! (Laughs!) I’ve been preparing and working for that all of these year, always supported by a great work team, my family, and first level management, like the one that guides, advises and accompanies me.
(TS) How do you deal with the haters? You know, the dudes who are mad at you because you are their girlfriend’s favorite singer? Some guys wish they were in your position, and instead of being inspired by your hard work and talent, they are mad at you for having it.
(MALUMA) The truth is, at the beginning of my career it was more common and frequent. Now it’s not as much as before, even though it still comes on from time to time. The youth has seen my hard work that I’ve been doing for years now to achieve my objectives, so even though they sometimes feel jealous, they know that my success to this point has been achieved through tons of work, sacrifice, and perseverance.
(TS) You have so many young fans, many of them are females. How do you balance the sex appeal, edge, and street vibe while also maintaining a positive image and being a good role model for them?
(MALUMA) My music is very varied and I make music for the streets as well as for radio, always being careful with the lyrics without going to an extreme, but saying what people want to hear without making it sound vulgar. So I take care of all types of audiences and I please all of my fans. That is why my next album is titled “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy”.
(TS) Name one goal you are working hard to accomplish. What steps are you taking to achieve that goal?
(MALUMA) My main goal is that my music reaches every corner of the world. That’s what I’ve been working for and even though it’s a process, were doing great taking it step by step.
(TS) What’s up with the ladies, man? I know the women in South America are beautiful. But which country has the hottest girls? Brazil, Colombia, Peru? And what three qualities do you find most attractive in a lady?
(MALUMA) It’s difficult to say where the most beautiful women are from, the women from every country have their attractive quality and in every country there are many beautiful women. The three qualities that I find most attractive in women physically are: the hips, the abdomen and eyes. But in reality, the women that grab my attention most apart from these physical qualities are those who are sure of themselves, athletic, healthy lifestyle, and independent with clear goals.
(TS) You are from Medellín. Bogota is the capital and another popular Colombian city. The country is beautiful, but also has a negative reputation for high crime, gangs, drugs and cartels, and armed conflict. Do you feel like that is an old stigma plaguing Colombia? Is the nation more positive and progressive now than in years past?
(MALUMA) Colombia is actually a very different country than years ago. I didn’t really have to deal with the conflict of cartels that were most difficult in the 80’s and 90’s. I can say that it is one of the most growing countries in Latin America and the tourism is ascending year after year.
(TS) You ever sense any danger surrounding you, being a prominent figure in Latin America? I ask because here and also in Europe some artists get robbed, or have old acquaintances put pressure on them for handouts, favors, money loans and shit like that.
(MALUMA) Personally, I have never felt any eminent danger, even though my earrings have been robbed twice before, but it was more of the fans trying to have something of mine instead of harming me. Obviously, we always have to be cautious and I’m always with someone from security.
(TS) Outside of Shakira, and actress Sofia Vergara, who are both from Barranquilla, and also actress Zulay Henao, who is from your hometown of Medellin, you are probably the most popular Colombian star here in the United States. What cities have you been to here in the U.S.? What was your experience like? Are Sofia and Zulay popular there in Colombia?
(MALUMA) I’ve had the opportunity to be in various cities of the U.S. like New York City, Miami, Orlando, Houston, New Jersey and Las Vegas. Even though there’s been many requests to visit other cities, my schedule hasn’t allowed me, but for 2015 there are plans to go to many more cities. I’ve been received with open arms and it’s been amazing. And the love the audience gives me in places I visit in the U.S. is great… Sofia Vergara is very known and admired in Colombia. Zulay still doesn’t have that great knowing as Sofia does, but how she is working, I know that she will achieve it soon.
(TS) Do you have any plans to break into acting soon? If so, what type of film role could you see yourself excelling in?
(MALUMA) For the moment, I’m thinking most on my music, but that doesn’t mean that in the future there can’t be an acting project. If it did happen, I’d want to act in a Hollywood movie.
(TS) You are a trainer and judge on the hit television show “La Voz Kids: Colombia”. Is there a lot of really good young talent on the show? Have you seen someone you feel could be the next big star?
(MALUMA) The tapings for La Voz Kids has just recently begun and we still haven’t had the auditions, but I’ve been told that there is a lot of talent. I am super anxious for the auditions to take flight already.
(TS) What are the next big announcements we can expect from you soon? Tell the DOPE Magazine readers - and all your fans - what to be on the lookout for.
(MALUMA) To all my people from DOPE Magazine and my fans, be on the lookout for the official release of my album “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy”. That should be really soon!
Follow MALUMA on Twitter & IG
Visit MALUMA‘s Official VEVO Channel
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increible mentere de algunas cosa que no sabia de MALUMA genial me agrado dopemag 😉