“Maria Maria” is a smooth and sultry song by Santana, released in September 1999 with “Migra” on the B-side as a single from their hugely successful album Supernatural. Featuring vocals by The Product G&B (an R&B duo consisting of David McRae and Marvin Moore-Hough), the song was written by Wyclef Jean, Jerry “Wonder” Duplessis, Karl Perazzo, Raul Rekow and Carlos Santana. The track became one of Santana’s biggest hits, blending Latin rock with contemporary R&B and hip-hop influences.
The lyrics of “Maria Maria” tell a story of a beautiful and captivating woman named Maria, with verses that reference her struggles and resilience while celebrating her strength and allure.
Musically, the track is built on a fusion of Latin rhythms, smooth guitar melodies, and modern urban beats. Carlos Santana’s signature guitar work serves as the emotional core of the song, delivering soulful and expressive riffs that elevate its romantic vibe. The production by Wyclef Jean and Jerry Duplessis incorporates elements of reggae, hip-hop, and R&B, creating a fresh and unique sound that bridged generations and genres.
“Maria Maria” was a massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for an impressive 10 weeks in early 2000. The song also topped charts in several other countries and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 2000. Its success was part of the larger triumph of Supernatural, an album that revitalized Santana’s career and introduced their music to a new generation of fans.