Maluma
A Colombian global pop sensation who turned Medellín's rhythms into a charismatic, chart-topping brand of reggaeton and romance.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Colombian rapper, singer, songwriter and actor·Birthday: January 28·Millennials
Biography
Maluma emerged from Medellín not just as another reggaeton singer, but as a fully-formed pop persona. He crafted his stage name from the first two letters of his family members' names and began recording songs as a teenager, quickly developing a smooth, versatile voice and a knack for catchy, romantic melodies. His 2015 album 'Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy' was the pivot, perfectly encapsulating his dual appeal: the charming gentleman and the streetwise hitmaker. This duality fueled collaborations with stars from Shakira to The Weeknd, making him a bridge between Latin urban music and the global mainstream. Beyond the music, his sharp style and confident media presence solidified his status as a modern icon, representing a new, internationally-minded generation of Latin artists.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Maluma was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Maluma Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Maluma's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His 2018 album 'F.A.M.E.' won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album.
- The single 'Hawái' reached number three on the Billboard Global 200 chart in 2020.
- Performed the official song 'Medellín' for the 2021 Copa América tournament.
- Headlined a successful world tour, '11:11', across North and South America and Europe.
Did You Know?
His stage name 'Maluma' is derived from the first two letters of his mother's name (MArquitos), his father's name (LUis), and his sister's name (MAnuela).
He is a part-owner of the Colombian football club Atlético Nacional.
He was a featured performer at the 2020 Super Bowl LIV halftime show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
“I'm not a pretty boy, I'm a pretty boy, dirty boy. That's the concept.”
