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Omar Rudberg, Malandro: Beaming with Pride No. 103 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corporation; Elias Souza, Mario Spencer, Mizuno K, from Pexels; AcatXIo, All_CC0_Public_domain, CatsWithGlasses, David, ernestflowerss, Kelly, M. Harris, Marek Studzinski, OpenClipart-Vectors, from Pixabay]In the 103rd edition of Beaming with Pride (2025), we highlight “Malandro” by Venezuelan Swedish pop singer, songwriter, and actor Omar Rudberg.

Prepare to beam with P-R-I-D-E! Beaming with Pride celebrates, embraces, and spotlights songs by LGBTQ musicians or allies.  Here, we provide background and insight into musicians, analyze, plus go gaga over the decadent bops served up.  When songs dictate deeper and more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is fully articulated.  All styles of music are welcome, whether the songs are classics or brand-new. So, without further ado, in the 103rd edition of Beaming with Pride (2025), we highlight “Malandro” performed by Omar Rudberg.

 

“Malandro, me robaste el corazón.”
Translated into English, the line reads, roughly, “Rascal/rogue/scoundrel, you stole my heart.” To that, I respond, Omar Rudberg, oh, snap 🫰! Our handsome and talented Venezuelan-born 🇻🇪  and Swedish-bred 🇸🇪 pop singer, songwriter, and actor (b. 1998), penned “Malandro” with a team comprising Sizzy Rocket, Rachel West, and Dan Gleyzer. Anders Hansson and Gleyzer produced the Spanglish pop track, which is mostly performed in English.

Omar Rudberg, Malandro [📷: Atlantic Recording Corporation]The excerpted Spanish lyrics appear in the intro and recur in the post-chorus.  In the verses, Omar Rudberg expresses the influence of this malandro. “I fell right into the trap of a beautiful monster,” he asserts in the first verse, and adds, “A thief and a robber (Yeah, yeah), your love is a threat.” One of the meanings and translations of the word malandro is a crook, so thief and robber are on brand. Of course, despite being a rogue, Rudberg can’t seem to get enough of them: “I’m into the bondage… your hands on my neck / I’ll hide the bodies for you, let me be your accomplice / Yeah, we can be lawless, I’m yours to death.” Damn! In the chorus, the centerpiece of “Malandro,” Omar confirms his willingness to sacrifice himself for them: “Oh, I’m begging, malandro, I’d give my life for ya / Down on my knees, praying you never let go of me.” Oh, shyt! This man (given the masculine form of the word, malandro) must be some fine shyt 🤭! Anyways, Omar Rudberg sings beautifully throughout, infusing plenty of personality into “Malandro”.  The brief, minor-key track is sleekly produced, with tuneful melodies and infectious lyrics. Another win for Simon, I mean, Omar!


Omar Rudberg on The Musical Hype 🔻:


Omar Rudberg » “Malandro” » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2025
Omar Rudberg, Malandro: Beaming with Pride No. 103 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corporation; Elias Souza, Mario Spencer, Mizuno K, from Pexels; AcatXIo, All_CC0_Public_domain, CatsWithGlasses, David, ernestflowerss, Kelly, M. Harris, Marek Studzinski, OpenClipart-Vectors, from Pixabay]

 


the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.

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