Maluma se emociona hasta las lágrimas al repasar sus éxitos en Latin Music Week: ‘Me siento lleno’

At Billboard's Latin Music Week, Colombian artist Maluma offered an intimate reflection on his 15-year career, revealing the emotional impact of his artistic journey and recent achievements. During an engaging "Iconic Songwriter Q&A" session organized by Sony Music Publishing, the Medellín-born singer-songwriter revisited pivotal moments in his discography, evoking a deeply personal response as he heard his 2020 hit "Hawái".

"Hawái," a standout track from the album Papi Juancho, notably dominated Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart for nine consecutive weeks and achieved broad crossover success, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, partly due to a remix featuring The Weeknd. For Maluma, the song symbolizes more than commercial triumph; it triggers nostalgia and gratitude for his artistic evolution. His sentiments, shared with Billboard content co-director Leila Cobo, underscored a profound appreciation for the milestones reached over his career.

The conversation also highlighted Maluma's recent musical endeavors, including the release of "Agua," a sensual merengue collaboration with fellow Colombian superstar Shakira. This partnership marks a continuation of their creative synergy, which has developed through previous joint projects such as "Chantaje," "Trap," and "Clandestino," as well as a shared Billboard magazine cover in 2018. Maluma credited Shakira's disciplined work ethic and formidable character as influential in shaping her enduring success and expressed enthusiasm about their ongoing studio chemistry.

In addition to his work with Shakira, Maluma discussed his collaboration with Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García on the track "1 + 1," released earlier in the year. This song reflects a personal return to simplicity and roots, emphasizing Maluma's strong connection to his Colombian heritage. The artist conveyed that his identity and resilience are deeply intertwined with his hometown of Medellín.

Further expanding on his cross-cultural influences, Maluma spoke about "Según quién," a 2023 release featuring Mexican regional star Carín León. This collaboration symbolizes a musical bridge between Colombian and Mexican traditions. Maluma shared that his familiarity with Mexican culture has been shaped by family influences and remains a significant element of his artistry. He acknowledged the memorable impact of his concerts in Mexico and expressed interest in further exploring the regional Mexican music genre, an area he has yet to fully engage with.

The event culminated with a recognition from Sony Music Publishing Latin America's president and CEO, Jorge Mejía, who presented Maluma with a commemorative plaque celebrating the artist's impressive achievement of over 30 number-one songs across various Billboard charts. This accolade underscores Maluma's stature as one of Latin music's most influential figures.

Maluma's reflections during Latin Music Week paint a portrait of an artist who balances commercial success with heartfelt gratitude and artistic growth. His openness about his journey, collaborations, and future aspirations offers insight into the evolving landscape of Latin music and his role within it. While his achievements are well-documented, details about upcoming projects or specific plans remain limited at this time. Nonetheless, Maluma's enthusiasm for expanding his musical horizons suggests continued innovation ahead.