Maluma Defies the Odds With 25th Latin Airplay No. 1—‘Bronceador’ Lands Him in Elite Territory

maluma achieves record milestone

Colombian superstar Maluma has officially secured his 25th No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart with his latest single “Bronceador,” solidifying his position among the elite circle of Latin artists to achieve such a remarkable milestone.

The achievement signifies a significant moment in the 30-year-old artist’s career, placing him in rarefied air among Latin music’s most consistent hitmakers since the chart’s inception.

The Latin Airplay chart, which launched in October 2012, ranks the 50 most-played Spanish-language songs across U.S. radio stations weekly based on Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems information, weighted according to each station’s ratings. Unlike Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, Latin Airplay doesn’t require tracks to be mainly in Spanish, offering a broader representation of what’s dominating Spanish-language radio nationwide.

Maluma’s journey to this milestone began shortly after signing with Sony Music Colombia in 2010, steadily building his radio presence with early hits like “Felices los 4” and “Borró Cassette.”

From humble beginnings with Sony to radio domination, Maluma’s path to stardom was paved with chart-topping hits.

His consistent output across reggaeton, pop, and Latin rhythm genres has kept him relevant on the airwaves for over a decade, a demonstration of his versatility and appeal to diverse audiences. Born Juan Luis Londoño Arias, the artist cleverly created his stage name “Maluma” by combining the first letters of family members’ names, showcasing his deep family connections despite his international fame.

“Bronceador,” which claimed the top spot in 2024, continues Maluma’s impressive streak of chart dominance. The accomplishment is particularly remarkable given the competitive landscape of contemporary Latin music, where artists must continually evolve to maintain radio relevance.

While still behind J Balvin who holds the record with 38 number ones since 2021, Maluma’s achievement remains extraordinary in the Latin music landscape.

Few artists have managed to accumulate 25 No. 1 hits on this particular chart, placing Maluma alongside legendary acts like Wisin & Yandel regarding radio dominance.

This sustained success illustrates not just fleeting popularity but enduring cultural impact within Spanish-language entertainment.

For Maluma, reaching 25 chart-toppers represents more than just commercial success—it confirms his status as one of Latin music’s most influential figures, capable of consistently producing material that resonates with listeners across the United States while helping shape the sound of contemporary Latin pop. Beyond radio success, his business acumen has allowed him to develop diverse income streams through merchandise sales, sync deals, and live performances. His strategic approach to music distribution across streaming platforms has significantly expanded his global audience reach while providing additional revenue channels beyond traditional radio play.