The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Musician›Maluma
Entertainment • Musician

Maluma

Maluma is the stage name of Juan Luis Londoño Arias, a Colombian singer and songwriter born in Medellín in 1994.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Maluma is the stage name of Juan Luis Londoño Arias, a Colombian singer and songwriter born in Medellín in 1994. He is known for reggaeton and Latin pop, and became widely known in Latin America in the early 2010s before expanding internationally.

Early life

Juan Luis Londoño Arias was born in Medellín, Colombia, on 28 January 1994. Sources describe his background as including an early interest in music before his career in recording began.

Music career

Maluma first gained attention in Colombia in 2011 and later across Latin America with early singles such as "Farandulera", "Obsesión", and "La temperatura". He became a prominent figure in reggaeton and Latin pop through charting singles, albums, and collaborations. His studio albums include Magia, Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy, F.A.M.E., 11:11, Papi Juancho, and The Love & Sex Tape. He has collaborated with major Latin and international artists, including Shakira and Madonna.

Name and public image

The name Maluma is commonly explained as a combination of syllables from the names of his mother Marlli, father Luis, and sister Manuela. He has also been noted for a strong social media presence and a high-profile image in Latin music.

Other work

In addition to music, Maluma has taken part in film and voice acting. Reported credits include the animated film Encanto and the romantic comedy Marry Me, which expanded his profile beyond recording.

Key facts

  • Maluma began rising to fame in Colombia in 2011 with early singles such as "Farandulera", "Obsesión", and "La temperatura".
  • His stage name is commonly described as being formed from the first syllables of the names of his mother, father, and sister.
  • He has released multiple studio albums, including Magia, Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy, F.A.M.E., 11:11, Papi Juancho, and The Love & Sex Tape.
  • He has collaborated with major Latin and international artists, including Shakira and Madonna.
  • He has also worked as a voice actor and screen actor in film projects such as Encanto and Marry Me.
🍁
Canadian context

Maluma has a Canadian audience through the broader Latin pop market and international touring, but the provided sources do not identify a specific Canada-based role or event.

Frequently asked questions

What is Maluma’s real name?
His birth name is Juan Luis Londoño Arias.
Where was Maluma born?
He was born in Medellín, Colombia.
What kind of music is Maluma known for?
He is mainly associated with reggaeton, Latin pop, and trap latino.
When did Maluma become famous?
He began rising to fame in Colombia in 2011 and later gained wider recognition in Latin America.
Why is he called Maluma?
Sources commonly say the name combines syllables from his mother’s, father’s, and sister’s names.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maluma
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, birth date, early fame, and stage name context.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/musician/maluma
    Supports: Biography, genres, studio albums, collaborations, acting roles, and public profile.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/es-es/name/nm8349062/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, stage-name explanation, collaborations, and acting credits.
  4. Fnac — https://www.fnac.es/Maluma/ia580298/biografia
    Supports: Birth details, genre, and later career notes.