Maluma Talks Investments in Streaming App ‘Trebel,’ Wanting To Collab with Justin Timberlake and More

When Maluma, born Juan Luis Londoño Arias, was only 16 years old, he released his debut independent single Farandulera, which hit radio airplay in Colombia. The single garnered so much traction that it even caught the eye of Sony Music. It was that very next year that the Medellin-born artist would record and release his debut album, Magia. It’s that commitment alone that soared Maluma to new heights.

As he built his career over the course of a decade, Maluma has collaborated with global icons such as Madonna, J Balvin, Ty Dolla $ign, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Ozuna and more garnering just under 20 million pure sales worldwide; and counting. “I would love to collaborate with Justin Timberlake or Bruno Mars. I admire their music, style and history within this industry.”

We caught up with the Hawái singer in a recent interview in which we talked about his recent investments with music streaming app Trebel and even Contraluz, Mexico’s first Cristalino Mezcal. “I just became an investor for the first Cristalino Mezcal called Contraluz and Trebel, which is a music streaming platform offering upcoming artists in Latin America new ways to upload their music,” said the artist-turned-investor. This mogul-in-the-works is “always looking for ways to innovate in different markets.” No doubt having the music game on lock, Maluma and his team have been tapping into various industries and markets including fashion, beauty, alcohol, streaming and we’re excited to watch one of Latin music’s most influential artists Maluma continue to flourish for yet another decade to come.

When Maluma isn’t in the recording studio finalizing another Billboard charting album, we’ve also been able to see him on shows like La Voz Kids (The Voice Kids), La Voz México (The Voice Mexico) and Netflix’s “Marry Me” starring Jennifer Lopez. We also have been able to see Maluma in Disney’s Oscar-winning animated production Encanto, the tale of a Colombian teenage girl who has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers. Maluma plays the role of Dolores’ boyfriend Mariano Guzman, a “lovey-dovey, generous and sometimes shy man.” Maluma says he “really loved” being on the big screen and “this is just the beginning” of his acting career.

So, what motivates this multi-hyphenate artist who’s more than just an artist? Familia y disciplina. “I focus on always being the better version of myself by surrounding myself with love from my family and friends,” says Maluma. “Discipline is a big component for me, and I try to focus on working out daily, eating well and meditating.”

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Catch our complete interview with Maluma below and be sure to download Trebel here to stream music for free while also earning points.

Here’s what the multi-platinum artist had to say:

Your latest album, “The Love & Sex Tape,” just dropped in June! What was your favorite song to record? For me, all of the songs were amazing to record because I went back to my Reggaeton essence from when I started my career.

You’ve always been a very positive and driven person. How do you stay so grounded and focused? Do you have any practices that keep you on the right path? I focus on always being the better version of myself by surrounding myself with love from my family and friends. Discipline is a big component for me, and I try to focus on working out daily, eating well and meditating.

Can we expect to see you act more in the near future? Yes! I really loved it and this is just the beginning.

Do you have any passion projects you’re working on outside of music and acting? I just became an investor for the first Cristalino Mezcal called Contraluz and Trebel, which is a music streaming platform offering upcoming artists in Latin America new ways to upload their music. I have also launched a clothing line with Macy’s and my own fragrance company, and both are called “Royalty by Maluma.” My team and I are always looking for ways to innovate in different markets.

You’ve worked with female power players like Shakira, JLo, Anitta and more. Who would you love to collaborate with but haven’t had a chance yet? I would love to collaborate with Justin Timberlake or Bruno Mars. I admire their music, style and history within this industry.

What’s the biggest song you’ve never released? What are we missing out on? Haha! Oh, there is so much I haven’t released that I am getting ready to do soon. It will be very different and it is music that I have worked on for years.

What’s next for you, Maluma? Well, in September, we are working on releasing the Fall collection with Macy’s for my clothing line, “Royalty by Maluma.” Also, we are getting ready to release next year a new set for my fragrance brand. And, focusing on new music for my fans.

The definition of Contrast is ‘to be strikingly different.’ What makes you strikingly different? Being different is just being yourself and not being anyone else.

Interview by Michael D. Monroe, Gigi Rivera, Michelle Chia.
Full story by Michael D. Monroe.
Photography by Jonathan Ivan and Macy’s.
Special thanks to BurgerRock Media for coordinating.