Maluma Opens Up About Mental Health, Fatherhood, and Finding Balance
From career milestones to new music releases and those essential, quiet moments of reflection, Billboard editors continue to highlight uplifting moments in the Latin music world. This week, the spotlight turned toward global icon Maluma, who offered a candid look into his life during the “Like Minded” conversation at #Billboard Latin Music Week on Wednesday (Oct. 21). Moderated by Billboard’s co-chief content officer Leila Cobo, the session—presented by BetterHelp—also featured insights from bilingual therapist Patricia Arrieta.
Finding Balance in a Demanding Career
The conversation arrived shortly after the birth of Maluma’s second child, Orion, a milestone the artist credits with bringing him a newfound sense of calm and clarity. “I’ve finally been able to find that balance between my personal life and my artistic career,” he shared. For the Colombian star, therapy is not a quick fix but an ongoing, essential practice. “For me, therapy is being quiet, it is meditation, it’s constantly feeling uncomfortable and learning to love that discomfort,” he explained.
Maluma acknowledged that the pressures of being a father, artist, entrepreneur, and team leader often manifest as anxiety. After experiencing a tension headache during a particularly grueling week, he turned to tools like ChatGPT to help organize his schedule and prioritize his well-being. “I started prioritizing my peace, lowering my burdens and stress,” he said. “I need at least four hours in the afternoon to spend with my family.”
A Holistic Approach to Health
Beyond mental health, Maluma discussed his shift away from extreme fitness regimens, opting instead for a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food and his body. “If you love yourself, you make good decisions,” he noted. “My health is not negotiable.”
Reflecting on his latest album, Loco por Volver, he described the project as a vital part of his personal transformation. “It was the album that gave me back so many things I had lost,” he said. “The music transformed me.” He concluded the session with a powerful reminder: “Help is closer than we think.”
Musical Moments at the Latin Music Awards
The week also saw other significant highlights, including a full-circle moment for Pablo Alborán and RIZA. What began as a live songwriting experiment at last year’s Latin Music Week culminated in the release of “Deditos Cruzados” and a stunning performance at the Billboard Latin Music Awards on Thursday (Oct. 22). The track, which blends soulful vocals with Middle Eastern-tinged rhythms, was brought to life on a warm, living room-inspired stage.
Additionally, Nanpa Básico and Nella delivered a poignant performance of “Todo Cambia” at the awards ceremony. Their rendition served as a tribute to their home countries, Colombia and Venezuela, following recent earthquakes. The stage design, which transitioned from images of wreckage to flourishing greenery, offered a powerful message of renewal and hope.
