Maluma posted a two-line Spanish caption on Instagram Thursday. The first line read “La vida nos sonríe” – meaning “Life smiles at us.” The second line was his “LxV” personal motto, paired with a heart emoji. The post drew over 566,000 likes.
“LxV” is shorthand for “longevidad,” the Spanish word for longevity. Maluma has used the phrase across merchandise, tattoos, and public interviews for years. He’s described it as a guiding principle – a commitment to sustained growth in music and in personal life, rather than chasing short-term industry cycles. The symbol has appeared in branding connected to his tours and merchandise releases.
Maluma is the stage name of Juan Luis Londoño Arias, born in Medellín, Colombia, in January 1994. The stage name comes from the first two letters of his mother’s, father’s, and sister’s first names. He’s shared this origin story in multiple interviews.
He began recording music in his teenage years and built a following in the Colombian reggaeton scene. Medellín has produced several prominent Latin music artists over the past decade. J Balvin, another major figure in global reggaeton, also came from that city. Maluma built his early reputation within that same local scene. His sound combined Colombian urban rhythms with polished production. He built a fanbase across Latin America. His profile then expanded internationally.
The international breakthrough came with “Chantaje,” his 2016 duet with Shakira. The track spent months on the Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States and opened markets for Maluma across Europe and North America. “Felices los 4” arrived the following year and became another Latin chart hit. “Hawái,” released in 2020, was one of the year’s defining Latin singles. A remix with The Weeknd extended it into English-language markets. The music videos for “Hawái” and “Chantaje” have each surpassed one billion views on YouTube.
He’s worked with J Balvin, Becky G, Madonna, and other artists throughout his career. His discography covers reggaeton, romantic pop, and crossover styles.
In 2022, Maluma appeared in the romantic comedy “Marry Me” alongside Jennifer Lopez. It was his most prominent Hollywood film role to date. He’s also attended major international fashion weeks and worked with global brands on campaigns.
Thursday’s caption carried no promotional context. It was posted entirely in Spanish, with no English translation attached. The “LxV” motto has been part of Maluma’s public identity for years. Most followers recognize it without further context.
The post drew 566,000-plus likes on an account with more than 70 million followers.
