The journey of life has a major impact on Latin and reggaeton superstar Marma, his music, and the ink he adorns. “Everything that matters to me is reflected in the tattoos I get,” he explains. “I often plan them and work extensively with tattoo artists to create beautiful things that reflect the moments in my life.”
At 14 years old, Marma tattooed his left leg in his name. This name comes from the blend of the first two letters of the three family members: Mother Marri, Father Luis and sister Manuela. His tattoo collection escalated with “Magia,” the name of his first album, with “Magia,” painted on his left forearm. On his right forearm, four elephants with human-like shadows reflected in the water to express his family. One of his favorite tattoos, the lion, is located on his upper left chest. And the dove, tattooed on the neck by Peruvian artist Stefano Alcantara (@stefanoalcantara), happened to represent a peace flying high at 43,000 feet.
His latest body art is the east banquet of the eyes. It’s a fierce sky that is approaching the background. Rendered by Alcantara and fellow Latino tattoo artist Carlos Torres (@carlostorresart) with Turks and Caicos, the piece took 16 hours to complete.
Certainly, “Don Juan” is a fictional 17th century Casanova, but it is also the name of Marma’s latest album, and also refers to his birth name, Juan Luis Rondoño Arias. “It has great meaning. I have two horses. I’ll say I have this duality in my life all the time (the decisions in my life and how to treat my life,” he explains. “So I put one more gentle horse, the other more angry or more desperate.”
To fully interpret his tattoos, we must delve into the life-changing events that influenced his story, from his family roots to the music he created, to his friendship, and his affinity and dedication to the country he always calls home: Colombia.
The evolution of “Don Juan”
Marma grew up in Medellin. Medellin was a great pride and a source of constant inspiration for a brilliant artist, and was assumed to pursue a career in football. However, his love for music ultimately beats Colombia’s beloved sport. “My family was extremely supportive to arrive in my music scene,” he says. “My aunt actually gave me my first studio session as a birthday present when I first started.”
Released in 2023, Maluma’s latest album, “Don Fuan,” was born out of over a decade of growth in the music industry. “On every album, my music evolves with sound and style,” he says. “All albums create personas, from baby Malma to Papi Juncho and Don Huang. I love to evolve with each one. I’m particularly excited to go back to the days of “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy” but now it’s even cleaner and dirty. ”
When Maluma’s first single, “Farandulera” (translated in English to “Showgirl”) hit Colombia’s radio waves and attracted attention, Sony Music Colombia signed him with attention, leading to his first studio album, “Magia.” His upbringing for Medellín inspired 2012 albums, including major hits such as “Obsesión”, “Miss Independent” and “Loco”, and landed on the Colombian and Latin American music charts.
When he debuted at number one on Billboard’s top Latin albums in 2015, his upcoming album, “Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy,” threw him into the international spotlight. “But that’s what makes it special. There are no barriers to music. I’m proud to take my culture around the world.”
In 2016, Shakira released the English Steamy Single “Chantaje” and “Blackmail.” Malma debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and created the Billboard Hot 100, Malma’s first encounter on the esteemed charts. In 2018, the Latin singer collaborated again with “Clandestino” or “Clandestine” to reach the top 10 Billboard Hot Latin songs.
In the next few years, Marma released two albums, “Fame” in 2018 and “11:11” in 2019. His music career escalated further when he reached stage with Madonna to debut her new single “Medellín” at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. The presentation of the song by Spanglish was provocative and high-tech, with sensual dance moves and Madonna holograms dancing side by side on stage.
“I was very fortunate to work with a great artist who not only praises me, but can also call friends,” says Marma. “How I met Madonna behind the scenes at VMAS in New York, started doing two songs with her and playing together at a stadium show in Medellin before 55,000 people.
More notable names on Maluma’s collaboration list include J Balvin, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin and The Weekend. “Papi Juancho” was released in 2020, and “Don Juan” appeared in 2023.
Maluma is currently on his +Pretty +Dirty European tour and will be dropping by Medellín on April 26th for the highly anticipated second edition of the Medallo en El Mapa Stadium Show. He will appear on May 3rd at the Bogotá En El Mapa Stadium Show in the country’s capital.
Marma cherishes his good fortune and joy, but this year’s heartbreak has become heavier with the singer of “Corazon” (“Heart”). On his 31st birthday, his beloved grandmother lost Rondogno. “It was a day like a duality of many emotions that I was happy with my birthday, but on the other side I was sad because my grandmother wasn’t there anymore,” he shared on social media for the next few days. “I feel it’s time to find the best version of me.”
In the aftermath, Marma expressed a new focus on peace, happiness and reconnecting with nature. “I know that after changing on a mental and physical level, the best hasn’t come yet,” he shared on social media. “I will continue this learning with so much peace, so much patience – one step at a time – so much meditation, so much love. That’s all we need in life: love.”
A new story unfolds
In 2022, World witnessed Marma’s Hollywood debut in the rom-com drama “Marry Me.” “When we called out what they wanted me for this role, I read the script and I had to say yes,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to act. The first acting role in which Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson starred in ‘Marry Me’ is crazy. ”
The stable fixtures of the premier fashion event are no surprise that one of Marma’s latest ventures is remanence of his new clothing line. “I’ve always loved fashion, I’m a creative director, and starting my own line is a dream come true for me,” he says. “With the lines we create, you can take the gym to your daily errands and activities with sustainable materials.
Malma has been with her girlfriend Susanna Gomez since 2020, but she has a new, first-class woman in the house where she runs the show. “Being a father changed my life in ways I couldn’t imagine,” he shares. “My daughter, Paris, brought new love and motivation to inspire me not only in my music but in every aspect of my life.”
Regardless of the difficulties, Marma recognizes that we are bringing this life together. In 2016, the Londoño Arias family introduced the El Arte de Los Sueños (The Art of Dreams) Foundation. The program teaches teamwork and autonomy and emphasizes art as a building block for a better being.
Most people will agree that his life is read like a fairy tale, but he strives to remain humble. “We’re all the same,” he says. “I didn’t get rich. My family and I struggled as a child. So, while I can live out of my passion, I’m something I never take for granted.”
“I’m always working on music, that’s part of my DNA,” says Marma. In his next chapter, look forward to more music, more transformation, more collaboration, and, in addition, more body art to commemorate a life of resilience, love and optimism.
