MEXICO'S REGGEATON REBEL, EL MALILLA, SHAKES UP THE ROXY

On Thursday, April 17, 2025, El Malilla lit up The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood with a show that was as explosive as it was unforgettable. Performing for a packed house of fans, the 25-year-old Mexican artist made his debut at the legendary venue with a high-octane set that blended reggaeton, Mexican street culture, and genre-defying sonic twists. The energy inside the room was electric from the start—and it only intensified as the night went on.

Born Fernando Hernández Flores and raised in Valle de Chalco, El Malilla first gained attention in Mexico’s underground rap scene before pivoting to reggaeton during the pandemic. His bold fusion of classic reggaeton rhythms with regional slang and Mexican flair quickly made waves, culminating in his 2024 debut album ÑEROSTARS. The project cemented his status as a genre disruptor. This month he also made history as the first artist from the rising reggaetón Mexa movement to perform a solo set at Coachella—an appearance that further solidified his role as a leader of a new wave in Latin urban music.

When El Malilla hit the stage at The Roxy, the room erupted. Backed by heavy basslines and a relentless rhythm section, he delivered a genre-blending set that swung from perreo bangers to house-inflected grooves, all laced with his gritty, street-smart delivery. Songs like “Vaquero” and “B de Bellako” turned the venue into a pulsating, sweaty dance floor, while moments of crowd interaction—like passing the mic to fans during “Tiki” or snapping selfies mid-set—deepened the sense of intimacy. His charisma and command were undeniable.

The audience, made up of diehard members of the MaliFamilia, responded in kind. Fans screamed every lyric, waved handmade signs, and stretched across barricades just to get a moment of eye contact. It was pure fan frenzy—adoration that went far beyond the usual concert buzz. When El Malilla leaned into the crowd, it wasn’t just a performance—it was communion.

More than just a show, El Malilla’s Roxy debut felt like a coronation. It marked a defining moment for the artist, and for the genre he’s helping reshape. With his boundary-pushing sound, unapologetic authenticity, and deep connection to his audience, El Malilla is not just riding the reggaeton wave—he’s helping build the future of it.

For everyone who was there that night, one thing was clear: El Malilla isn’t just next up—he’s here.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza for Goldenvoice