At Coachella last year, El Malilla became the first artist performing Mexican reggaeton to take the stage, proudly waving a Mexican flag and wearing a cowboy hat.
The popular Mexican singer had planned his first U.S. tour for last summer to build on his success. However, with increased immigration enforcement by ICE around that time under the Trump administration, he decided to prioritize the safety of his fans and postpone it.
I had been really looking forward to bringing my tour to the US, but honestly, I got worried about what was going on with ICE and how it was affecting Mexican immigrants. From my home in Valle de Chalco, speaking over Zoom, I realized I couldn’t risk putting my fans in a potentially harmful situation, so I made the tough call to postpone everything until things felt safer for everyone involved. My priority was – and is – making sure the shows are fun and that nobody’s at risk.
After wrapping up the Mexican leg of his “Tu Maliante Bebé” Tour, El Malilla, who was born Fernando Hernández Flores, is now preparing to bring his show to the states. The 19-show trek will kick off July 24 in Palm Springs, followed by a concert at The Novo in Los Angeles the next day.
He shared that playing The Novo is especially meaningful because it’s the largest venue he’ll perform at during his current U.S. tour. He added that the warm reception he’s received from Los Angeles makes him feel a sense of belonging, like he’s returning home.
After first performing at Coachella, El Malilla has brought Mexican reggaeton to a wider audience. He adds a uniquely Mexican style – including slang and confident energy – to his popular songs like “B de Bellako,” “Mami Tú,” and “Balenciaga,” which features corrido artist Luis R. Conriquez.
Since collaborating with reggaeton stars like Jowell y Randy and J Balvin, El Malilla has grown the reach of his ‘reggaeton Mexa’ style. He’s also experimenting with new sounds for his next album. In a recent interview with The Times, El Malilla discussed his role in popularizing reggaeton Mexa and shared details about his upcoming tour.
× As a critic, I’ve seen a lot of artists talk about connecting with their roots, but this feels genuinely special. This artist is thrilled to bring a slice of Mexican culture – the language, the sounds, the whole vibe – to U.S. fans who might not otherwise get to experience it. They shared a particularly moving moment from a Chicago show last year, seeing signs from people representing their home state of Mexico – a powerful connection that clearly resonated. It’s clear representing that heritage is hugely important to them, and they’re promising a tour full of high-energy, unapologetic perreo sucio – and honestly, that’s something everyone can get excited about!
It’s funny when fans ask me to take my shirt off during concerts! It usually starts when I sing “Rodillas,” and it happens really early in the show – I’m onstage for about two hours! I enjoy it, though, because I see myself as an entertainer who loves connecting with the audience and having a good time. Some people might think of me as a sex symbol, and that’s okay, but it’s not how I see myself.
It feels amazing to be helping pave the way for reggaeton from Mexico. I’ve been reflecting on how far things have come – it used to seem impossible that a mainstream pop artist like Danna would work with someone considered a ‘bad boy’ in the scene like me! But now, in 2026, Mexican reggaeton, our unique style, and our sound are finally getting the recognition they deserve, not just in Mexico but across Latin America. That means there are no more limits for us, or for any Mexican artist. Today, anything feels achievable.
× I’ve been listening to a lot of English music recently, especially The Weeknd – working with him would be amazing! I enjoyed performing at Coachella this year and seeing Justin Bieber, and I’d love to make music with him too. As for Latin artists, I admire Nsqk, De La Ghetto, and Ñengo Flow, and it would be a dream to collaborate with a reggaeton legend like DJ Blass.
Working on my new album has been an incredible journey. It took a year and a half, and I really enjoyed every minute of it. Music has given me so much throughout my life, and this album feels like my way of giving back. I think people will be surprised by how much I’ve grown and what I’m capable of now. This is a more mature and experimental side of Malilla – a more professional version of myself, if you will. I even stepped outside my comfort zone and created a bolero song, something I’d never done before. I did a lot of research, listening to artists like Luis Miguel and José José, and exploring genres I wasn’t familiar with. I actually fell in love with those new sounds and artists, and it was a really fun and rewarding experience.
2026-07-20 16:32