Juan Luis Londoño Arias, widely known as Maluma, has etched his name into the fabric of contemporary American music, emerging as one of the most influential and cherished figures in the Latin music scene.

The charismatic artist, born in Medellín, Colombia, in 1994, embarked on his musical journey from a tender age.

Crafting his inaugural composition, "No Quiero," at the age of 15, Maluma dedicated himself to nurturing his musical talents, eventually securing a deal with Sony Music Latin in 2015.

Since then, his trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, achieving global acclaim, filling arenas with enthusiastic audiences, and consistently dominating music charts with his irresistible tracks.

READ NEXT: 8 Interesting Facts About Pedro Pascal That You Probably Didn't Know 

Below are some "almost" unknown Maluma facts that might surprise you:

'MALUMA' Has Meaning

Choosing a stage name early on, Juan Luis had a clear vision for making it unique and meaningful. By cleverly merging the initial letters of his mother's, father's, and sister's first names, Maluma crafted a distinctive moniker that ensured his family would be a constant presence in his journey, according to L'OFFICEL.

"MA" represents his sister, Manuela; "LU" pays homage to his father, Luis; and "MA" again honors his mother, Marlli. Since the outset, his family has been by his side, offering unwavering support that persists to this day.

He Sold Lollipops and Sandwiches as a Kid

Family has consistently held a special place in Maluma's heart. However, when his parents went through a divorce when he was merely 10 years old, Maluma felt a strong desire to contribute.

In an effort to assist his mother during a period of financial uncertainty, Maluma took matters into his own hands.

He started a small entrepreneurial venture right from his kitchen, buying lollipops and crafting sandwiches to sell to his fellow classmates at school.

An Overnight Sensation

Maluma's inaugural studio album, "Magia," hit the shelves in 2012, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, per Super Stars Bio.

The album achieved gold status in his native Colombia, boasting a collection of chart-topping tracks that resonated with audiences.

Among the standout hits were "Farandulera," "Loco," "Obsesión," "Magia," "Pasarla Bien," and "Miss Independent."

Just a year later, Maluma unleashed "La Temperatura," a single that swiftly went viral, catapulting him to newfound fame and making a formidable entry onto the US charts.

This breakthrough moment marked a pivotal turning point in his career, propelling him to greater heights in the music industry.

Soccer Is His First Love

Maluma harbored dreams of becoming a soccer player until the age of 16 when a transformative encounter with music reshaped his aspirations overnight.

Communicating this shift in ambition to his parents proved to be a challenging task, but, as he shared with Caras, they eventually came to accept and support his newfound passion for music.

His Grandfather Inspired Him to Make Music

In the realm of music, Maluma's greatest influence came from an unexpected source - his grandfather. During his childhood, Maluma would spend countless days at his grandparent's house, immersing himself in the rich sounds of salsa by listening to numerous records.

This experience left an indelible mark on him, shaping his musical tastes and contributing significantly to his artistic journey.

He Helps Poor Kids

Driven by the desire to empower underprivileged children in Colombia and around the globe to pursue their artistic and musical aspirations, Maluma, alongside his family, established the El Arte de los Sueños Foundation in 2016.

Speaking to CNN about the foundation, Maluma expressed his intention to send a positive message: that dreams can indeed materialize through discipline and unwavering focus on one's aspirations.

READ MORE: Maluma Net Worth 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Maluma SHOCKS Fans Revealing He's Going to Be a DAD! - From Entertainment Tonight