The long-term agreement brings Maluma’s catalog to Sony/ATV as well as his latest hit singles, “Felices Los 4” and “Chantaje,” featuring Shakira. Both songs are currently on the Hot 100 chart, with "Chantaje" at No. 51 and "Felices Los 4" at No. 49, up from No. 61 last week. As an artist, Maluma is signed to Sony Music Latin America.
“Latin music’s ever growing popularity has already transcended borders, cultures, and musical styles,” said Sony/ATV Chairman and CEO Martin Bandier. “Maluma is uniquely positioned to be its face for the world both for today and for the future. I couldn’t be more excited that we have signed this incredibly talented songwriter and artist.”
The 23-year-old Maluma, who has never had a major publishing deal, had been courted heavily by other publishing companies. He was eventually signed by Jorge Mejia, Sony/ATV’s President for Latin America and US Latin, with direct involvement from Bandier and from Sony ATV U.S. co president Danny Strick.
“There is no one out there quite like Maluma today,” said Mejia. “There is a certain magic that happens when he goes on stage - you go to any concert and his fans are riveted, singing every word of every song at the top of their lungs.”
As a songwriter, Maluma has had 13 songs on the Billboard charts, including the aforementioned “Chantaje” and “Felices,” as well as “Borro Cassette” and the controversial “Cuatro Babys.” He currently has 10 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, and an impressive six videos on YouTube’s global music chart, including “Felices” at No. 3 and “Chantaje” at No. 8. That’s more than any other artist, Latin or otherwise, on the chart.
