Chimba is a very popular slang word in Colombia that can mean 'cool,' 'awesome,' or 'great.' While it can sometimes be used negatively depending on the context, here Maluma uses it to express how amazing his time with his ex was.
He sings, "qué chimba la pasábamos" which translates to "we had such a great time." Learning slang like this is a fantastic way to understand the culture behind the language and sound more like a native speaker!
Ever check an ex's social media and think, "Yeah, right"? That's exactly what Maluma is doing in this song. He sees his ex posting about how happy she is with her new guy, writing things like she's finally found someone "que te quiere, que te ama, te presume y te valora" (who wants you, who loves you, who shows you off and values you). But he's not buying it for a second. He's convinced it's all for his benefit, saying, "Y a mí eso me suena indirecta" (And to me, that sounds like an indirect message).
He's so sure she's faking it that he throws down a challenge. He sings, "Procura no pensar en mí / Cuando estés en su cama" (Try not to think of me / when you're in his bed). The twist? He admits he's doing the exact same thing! He's with other people but can't stop thinking about her face. He remembers their passionate past and bluntly asks, "¿Por qué aparentas algo que no sentías?" (Why do you pretend something you didn't feel?). It's a classic case of two ex-lovers who are still completely obsessed with each other, no matter what their Instagram captions say.
Maluma (born Juan Luis Londoño Arias on January 28, 1994, in Medellín, Colombia) is a celebrated singer, rapper, songwriter, and actor known for his vibrant contributions to urbano, reggaeton, and Latin pop music. Since beginning his career at just sixteen, Maluma has released multiple successful albums including Magia (2012), Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy (2015), F.A.M.E. (2018), and 11:11 (2019), captivating audiences worldwide with his dynamic sound and charismatic presence.
With over 18 million records sold, Maluma has scored numerous hits like "Felices los 4," "Borró Cassette," and "Corazón," and has collaborated with global stars such as Shakira, Madonna, and The Weeknd. His music blends infectious beats with heartfelt lyrics, earning him multiple awards including a Latin Grammy and an MTV Video Music Award. Known for his smooth vocals and genre-crossing style, Maluma remains a leading figure in Latin music and continues to influence the global music scene.