El Malilla Shines at Coachella 2023: A Star in the Making
April 12, 2023, marks a significant milestone for El Malilla, the Mexican reggaetón artist who electrified the Coachella Sonora stage with his dynamic performance. With the festival’s crowds buzzing, he closed the night on a high note, captivating fans with a vibrant showcase of urban music.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Stage
Known as Fernando Hernández Flores, El Malilla has carved a niche in the reggaetón scene, amassing 8.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The 25-year-old artist’s journey from Valle de Chalco—a neighborhood notorious for its challenges—serves as an inspiring narrative of aspiration and resilience.
Performance Highlights
Backstage at Coachella, El Malilla expressed his excitement: “It’s very exciting, it’s crazy, I can’t believe it.” He delightfully engaged the audience with hits like “Beiby,” “Mami Tú,” and “Vaquero,” inviting them to sing along throughout his set. He emphasized the importance of this performance, stating, “For this first performance, I wanted to showcase my music and what I know how to do.”
Future Anticipation and Collaborations
Looking ahead, El Malilla hinted at upcoming surprises for his next performance on April 19. He will also take the stage at the iconic Roxy Theater in West Hollywood, further solidifying his growing presence in the music industry.
A Musical Journey Fueled by Inspiration
El Malilla’s journey began a decade ago, inspired by Puerto Rican urbano icons such as Arcángel and Farruko. As he gained traction in Mexico’s vibrant underground scene, he received invitations to perform at major festivals including La Santa Fiesta and Flow Fest, representing the emerging mexa movement in reggaetón. Collaborations with artists like J Balvin, Yeri Mua, and Blessd further demonstrate his ascent in the genre.
Embracing Musical Versatility
Often referred to as El Chamako de Valle (The Kid from Valley), El Malilla is preparing to explore new musical genres. His love for romantic salsa legends like Willie Colón and Maelo Ruiz fuels his ambition to create melodic reggaetón and cumbia. “The genre doesn’t matter as long as the music comes from the heart,” he shared, indicating his desire to expand his artistic horizons.
Learning from Setbacks
Despite his recent success, El Malilla faced a challenge at Lollapalooza Chile, where he experienced low attendance. Framing it as a growth opportunity, he remarked, “I take it as a learning experience… Rome wasn’t built in a day.” With a determination to grow his fanbase in Chile, he aims to replicate his success in Mexico—a testament to his ambitious spirit and commitment to his craft.
El Malilla’s journey exemplifies the power of persistence, and as he continues to captivate audiences around the world, the music scene eagerly awaits what he will do next.
