Maluma’s Don Juan Tour stopped by the Smoothie King Center. This was the first time the 29-year-old Juan Luis Londoño Arias, known simply as Maluma, had played in New Orleans. And although the fans in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the show, the turnout was low. All of the 300-level sections went blacked out. But the attendance level did not stop the party!
Maluma proved he isn’t just a pretty face. His energy was contagious, and the crowd was definitely feeling it. The Colombian artist, along with eight dancers and a six-piece band, took the M-shaped stage for two hours. From reggaeton to Latin-pop to salsa, Maluma’s 34-song setlist included everything from his 2017 hit single, “Felices los 4” to his collaboration with Ricky Martin “Venta pa’ ca” to his 2020 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Hawái” to his most recent release, “Diablo, que Chimba.”
The set design was relatively simple – colorful, animated graphics that paired with each song along with the occasional pyrotechnics and smoke. Halfway through the show, he performed on an elevated B-stage located on the back of the arena floor. An inflatable dog similar to the one on the cover of his 2022 “The Love & Sex Tape” album was behind him as he performed songs like “Mojando asientos,” “El perdedor,” “Madrid,” and “Djadja (Remix).”
The crowd, although small, was filled with fans holding signs with sweet messages and waving flags of Spanish-speaking nations including Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Argentina. Charismatic as ever, the Latin heartthrob seemed genuinely touched by the outpouring of love as he repeatedly expressed how grateful he was to be performing and thanked fans for coming out to the show. The night felt like a celebration – of music, culture, and life. Maluma even took a moment to raise a toast to the Spanish-speaking nations in attendance!
During one of his last songs, the global superstar returned on stage without a shirt on for a steamy performance of “Cuatro babys.” As the show came to an end, Maluma finished with one more performance of his hit, “Hawái” before taking his time walking to each side of the stage waving and blowing kisses to his adoring fans as they gave him a standing ovation.
Maluma recently made headlines after announcing at a show that he and his girlfriend are expecting their first child. With that being said, The Don Juan Tour is coming to a close at the beginning of November. I’m not sure when he’ll tour next but next time Maluma stops in New Orleans or a city near you, make sure you see him live!
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