Clandestino is a 2018 single performed by Colombian singers Shakira and Maluma. The song was released on 8 June 2018 as a stand‑alone track and later included on the vinyl edition of Shakira’s eleventh studio album El Dorado (2024).
Background and production
The collaboration originated in April 2018 when Shakira and Maluma were together in Barcelona, Spain, for a Billboard photoshoot. They wrote and produced the track jointly with Mexican songwriter‑producer Edgar Barrera. Clandestino marks the fourth joint effort between the two artists, following the remix of “La Bicicleta,” “Chantaje,” and “Trap.” Although initially speculated to be the lead single for Shakira’s forthcoming twelfth studio album, it was not featured on the final tracklist.
Composition
The song blends reggae and reggaeton influences, running 3 minutes 52 seconds. Its lyrics, sung in Spanish, explore themes of secret or forbidden love, aligning with the English translation of the title, “Clandestine.”
Release and promotion
Clandestino was released digitally through Sony Latin. Its official music video, directed by Jaume de la Iguana and shot on a beach in Sitges, near Barcelona, premiered on 27 July 2018. The video accumulated five million views within its first 24 hours on YouTube.
Commercial performance
The single achieved significant chart success across Latin America and Europe:
- Reached number 1 in Colombia, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Brazil (Diamond certification).
- Peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and entered the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 at number 1.
- Charted within the top 20 in Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
In the United States, the track debuted at number 17 on the Hot Latin Songs chart with first‑week sales of approximately 5 000 copies.
Critical reception
Clandestino received positive reviews from music critics. Rolling Stone placed it at number 6 on its “20 Best Latin Singles of 2018” list, while Idolator ranked it 18th on “The 100 Best Singles of 2018.” Billboard included the song at number 14 on its “20 Best Latin Songs of 2018” critics’ picks.
Accolades
- Nominated for Latin Pop Song of the Year at the 2019 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
- Nominated for Latin Song of the Year at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
- Nominated for Pop/Rock Collaboration of the Year at the 2019 Lo Nuestro Awards.
- Won Song of the Year at the 2020 BMI Latin Awards.
Certifications
The single has been certified in multiple territories, including:
- Gold (Argentina) – 20 000 units.
- Diamond (Brazil) – 160 000 units.
- Gold (Canada) – 40 000 units.
- Platinum/Gold (Mexico) – combined 450 000 units.
- 2× Platinum (Spain) – 80 000 units.
Personnel
- Artists: Shakira, Maluma (Juan Luis Londoño).
- Songwriters: Shakira, Maluma, Edgar Barrera.
- Producers: Shakira, Maluma, Edgar Barrera.
- Label: Sony Latin.
Clandestino remains one of the notable collaborations between Shakira and Maluma, exemplifying the fusion of pop, reggae, and urban Latin styles prevalent in late‑2010s Latin music.