Maluma performs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF.

SAN JOSE — After taking a year off from touring to create and release his new album, Don Juan, Colombian singer and rapper Maluma brought it to SAP Center on Wednesday, the fourth night of his tour, ready to introduce fans to his new persona.

His previous LP, 2020’s PAPI JUANCHO, solidified Maluma’s pop star  status and created a bad-boy persona that he fully embraced. Since then, he’s grown musically. Crafting a more sophisticated alter ego for Don Juan, released just over a week ago, Maluma stayed on theme by arriving on stage in a shin-length coat and royal purple pants and gloves that would match the stage lighting and visuals throughout the night.

Opener “COCO LOCO,” a track that incorporates elements of salsa and reggaeton, was the introduction to his new alter ego and refined sound heard throughout the album.

Maluma performs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2023.

The 29-year-old singer-songwriter next paid homage to his past with previous chart-topping collaborations like “Vente Pa’ Ca’” (Ricky Martin) and “Chantaje” (Shakira).

“I promise you that this night will be different,” he said, thanking fans for coming out.

He left the impressive M-shaped stage for a brief interlude while his band played.

When he returned, he faced the crowd without speaking, which ignited a standing ovation that clearly made him emotional. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“Wow,” he said, choking up.

Maluma performs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2023.

“I am a human being like all of you and I also have feelings, he said, adding that some days he feels more emotional than others. “Today is one of those days for me. The only thing I needed to feel better was to see you. … I never imagined that you all would touch my heart the way you are doing so in this moment, so thank you.”

The speech led to the show’s second segment. He introduced the next song, “Hawaii,” as being the one that allowed him to travel the world and perform.

The melodic keys and strings led into a slower version of the song, a collaboration with The Weeknd. The crowd sang so well that Maluma paused midway through to let fans sing it on their own.

Other highlights included tracks from previous albums like F.A.M.E’s “Felices Los 4” and “11 PM” from 11:11, which he said was his current favorite song to perform.

Maluma performs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2023.

The star’s interactions with his fans was unmatched. He constantly ran from side to side while singing, danced in front of fans and cheered with fans to “Sobrio,” one of his new tracks. He accepted several gifts from fans as well, including a custom Mexico and Colombia flag that a fan made to honor his new collaboration with Mexican singer Carin León.

Moving into the show’s third segment, Maluma walked across the arena floor to a smaller stage across the room. This caused a frenzy as he shook hands and exchanged greetings along the way.

When he arrived on the other side, a giant inflatable castle in the shape of a doberman served as the entrance to his next few songs. Emerging with a new outfit and a new attitude, Maluma once again returned to his PAPI JUANCHO era and kicked into “Parce.” He followed that up with his features on songs like “X,” “Porfa” and “Djadja.”

For the last three songs of the night, Maluma returned to the main stage for ”Trofeo,” the new video for which features footballer Lionel Messi. He then stripped off his shirt and flames surrounded the stage during the R&B- and trap-influenced early career hit “Cuatro Babys.”

He concluded with the album version of “Hawaii,” leaving the audience with a bright, summery tune.

Follow Italie Penaloza at Instagram.com/italiepnlza.