MALUMA CELEBRATES COLOMBIAN ART AND IDENTITY WITH “BOTERO” FT. ARCÁNGEL AND NTG LISTEN HERE
Maluma continues to set the pace of Latin music with the release of “BOTERO”, his latest single alongside Arcángel and NTG—a powerful musical collaboration that blends rap and hip-hop with a deep inspiration drawn from the legacy of the Colombian master and painter, Fernando Botero.
The release arrives at a moment of strong momentum for Maluma. Recently, he was one of the standout figures at Premios Lo Nuestro, where he took home awards and delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments. The global star had also begun teasing his upcoming album with two significant releases: “1+1,” featuring Kany García, a track that showcased his most emotional side, and “Con El Corazón,” a heartfelt posthumous tribute to beloved Colombian singer Yeison Jiménez, recorded in Medellín.
With “BOTERO,” Maluma continues to explore a conceptual artistic phase centered on returning home, reconnecting with his city, and elevating Colombian culture within the global soundscape. The single also marks his return to a sound that played a key role in his early days within the urban movement, now revisited with a more mature perspective and a narrative deeply connected to his story.
The song takes its name from the iconic master Fernando Botero, not only as a cultural reference but also as a metaphor for identity, volume, and presence. Just as the Antioquian artist transformed the art world through his unmistakable vision, Maluma, Arcángel, and NTG celebrate the journey from humble beginnings to building a dream life.
“On behalf of my family, I want to express our deep appreciation for Juan Luis’ (Maluma) music and for the way he has represented Colombia around the world. I also want to convey my personal esteem and admiration for him. This new song and the video reflect his admiration for the art of Maestro Fernando Botero, and for that, we extend our gratitude and recognition. Thank you, Juan Luis, and best of luck with this important new contribution to Colombian music,” said Fernando Botero, son of the legendary artist.
The collaboration also carries special significance with the presence of Arcángel, one of the most influential voices in Latin urban music, who is celebrating 20 years in the music industry while continuing to shape the evolution of botrap and reggaetón worldwide.
“BOTERO” stands as an anthem of perseverance and loyalty. The song explores the idea of love that grows in the midst of the hustle, what the artists describe as “bandit love”: relationships that endure the process, sacrifice, and ambition.
The music video, directed by Stillz and filmed at the Museum of Antioquia in Medellín, presents a conceptual visual narrative in which Maluma, Arcángel, and NTG portray museum employees competing to become “Employee of the Month,” a metaphor for constant effort, discipline, and the drive to be the best at what you do.
With “BOTERO,” Maluma once again demonstrates his ability to connect Colombian cultural pride with the universal language of urban music, marking a new creative chapter where Medellín—its history and its identity—returns to the center of his artistic narrative.