Celebrity

Who Is Duki? All About the Argentine Rapper and Singer

Published

3 weeks ago

November 16, 2025

Simon

Duki—born Mauro Ezequiel Lombardo—has become one of the most influential names in Latin trap, transforming the Argentine music scene with his talent, attitude, and global presence. Rising from street freestyle battles to international stages, Duki represents a new era of urban artists redefining the sound of Latin America.

Quick Bio

Category	Details
Full Name	Mauro Ezequiel Lombardo
Stage Name	Duki
Nationality	Argentine
Birthdate	June 24, 1996
Birthplace	Buenos Aires, Argentina
Genres	Latin Trap, Rap, Reggaeton, Urban
Known For	Freestyle origins, Latin trap hits, global influence
Career Start	2016 (El Quinto Escalón breakout)
Popular Albums	“Súper Sangre Joven,” “Desde el Fin del Mundo,” “Temporada de Reggaetón”
Partner	Emilia Mernes (public relationship)

Early Life & Background

Duki was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he grew up in a culturally rich and musically diverse environment. His early life was shaped by the rhythms of the city, the influence of hip-hop, and the energy of local youth. As a child, he showed interest in music and creativity, often experimenting with rhymes, melodies, and language. Buenos Aires, with its distinct artistic identity, became the perfect environment for him to explore the world of rap and self-expression. His upbringing emphasized authenticity and resilience—two traits that later defined his music and public persona. As he grew older, he gravitated toward urban culture, fascinated by the raw storytelling and emotional intensity found in rap lyrics.

Musical Beginnings in Buenos Aires

Growing up in Buenos Aires exposed Duki to a vibrant underground music scene filled with freestyle battles, street performances, and emerging talents. In his teenage years, he became deeply involved in the freestyle world, discovering a natural passion for improvisation and wordplay. Local neighborhoods played a major role in shaping his rhythmic identity; their diversity and intensity offered experiences that later inspired many of his lyrics. Duki often recalls how watching older rappers battle in plazas motivated him to try freestyling himself. Soon, he began participating in small gatherings and local rap circles, where his raw energy and aggressive delivery immediately set him apart. Buenos Aires became the foundation of everything he would later become as an artist.

Rise Through Freestyle Competitions

The turning point in Duki’s early career came with his participation in El Quinto Escalón, the iconic Argentine freestyle competition that helped launch many well-known urban artists. His performances quickly attracted attention due to his confidence, voice projection, and ability to merge clever punchlines with emotional intensity. Duki’s victory in one of the competition’s key battles marked the beginning of his rise in the national rap scene. His freestyle videos went viral, earning millions of views and growing his fanbase at an explosive rate. The raw authenticity of his improvisations made him stand out, and fans began to recognize his unique presence. El Quinto Escalón was not just a battle stage for Duki—it was the launchpad that transformed him from an unknown freestyler into a rising star.

First Major Breakthrough in the Music Industry

After gaining recognition in freestyle circles, Duki transitioned to professional music with the release of his breakout single “No Vendo Trap” in 2017. The track captured attention not only for its addictive sound but also for its message, which challenged stereotypes about trap artists. This release marked his entrance into mainstream music. Shortly afterward, he released “She Don’t Give a FO,” a massive hit that established him as a prominent figure in the Latin trap movement. As he continued to release music, Duki’s style evolved, blending trap beats with melodic hooks and emotional storytelling. His collaborations with emerging artists further expanded his impact, helping to shape the new Argentine urban sound.

Career Evolution & Popular Releases

Throughout his career, Duki has built an impressive catalog of songs and collaborations. His albums, including “Súper Sangre Joven,” “Desde el Fin del Mundo,” and “Temporada de Reggaetón,” reveal his versatility and growth as an artist. He has collaborated with international names like Bizarrap, Khea, YSY A, Lit Killah, Emilia Mernes, Bad Bunny, and many more. Each new release demonstrates his ability to adapt to new rhythms, trends, and musical influences. Duki’s evolution showcases his willingness to push boundaries, experiment with new sounds, and redefine what Latin trap can be. His global appeal continues to grow as he performs internationally and connects with audiences worldwide.

Musical Style & Artistic Identity

Duki’s musical identity is a blend of gritty trap beats, emotional depth, and powerful vocal expression. His voice—instantly recognizable for its raspy tone—adds personality to every track. His lyrics often explore themes of struggle, ambition, personal growth, loyalty, fame, and emotional vulnerability. While he is strongly rooted in trap, Duki frequently incorporates elements of reggaeton, drill, rap, and pop into his music. Another defining element is his authenticity; he expresses his experiences without filters, connecting deeply with fans who see their own stories reflected in his words. His artistic identity is bold, emotional, and unapologetic, making him one of the most influential figures in Latin urban music.

Age & Physical Appearance

Born in 1996, Duki is in his late 20s and is widely recognized for his expressive style and fashion-forward image. He has an athletic build, tattoos that reflect personal meaning, and a distinctive aesthetic that includes colorful hairstyles, streetwear, and bold accessories. His look is a mixture of urban culture and individual flair, emphasizing authenticity and creativity. Whether on stage or in public appearances, Duki uses fashion as a form of self-expression, reinforcing his identity as an influential figure in the Latin music scene.

Personal Life & Public Relationships

In his personal life, Duki maintains a balance between privacy and public presence. His relationship with Argentine singer Emilia Mernes is widely known and celebrated by fans across Latin America. Together, they form one of the most admired couples in the current music industry, often collaborating musically and supporting each other’s careers. Duki also shares close friendships with fellow artists from the Argentine rap scene, including YSY A and Neo Pistea, with whom he formed the group “Modo Diablo.” Family remains important in his life, and he often expresses gratitude for the support system that helped him navigate fame and pressure.

Lifestyle, Interests & Influences

Beyond music, Duki enjoys a lifestyle centered around creativity, self-expression, and constant artistic evolution. He often draws inspiration from diverse musical genres, video games, fashion, anime, and urban culture. His social media presence reflects his dynamic personality, mixing humor, introspection, and glimpses into his creative process. Duki has mentioned several times that he embraces meditation, mental health awareness, and self-reflection as part of his personal growth. These interests fuel his music, shaping the emotional depth seen in many of his songs.

Awards, Achievements & Global Recognition

Throughout his career, Duki has received numerous awards and recognitions that highlight his influence in the urban genre. His tracks consistently chart across Latin America, and he has performed at major festivals and venues worldwide. Collaborations with high-profile artists have further cemented his position as a global name in Latin trap. His albums have reached top streaming charts, and his music videos accumulate hundreds of millions of views. Duki’s success is not only measured by numbers but also by his cultural influence and the movement he helped inspire.

Impact on Argentine Music Culture

Few artists have had the cultural impact that Duki has brought to Argentine music. He was a central figure in popularizing trap music in Argentina, helping establish the country as a major force in the Latin urban scene. Through his authenticity, emotional expression, and fearless experimentation, he inspired a generation of young artists to pursue music. His rise from street battles to global stages symbolizes empowerment and opportunity for aspiring musicians, proving that talent combined with dedication can break barriers.

Future Plans & Career Outlook

Looking ahead, Duki continues to evolve as an artist, exploring new sounds and expanding his global reach. Fans anticipate new albums, collaborations, and international tours that will further elevate his career. His influence on Latin music is expected to grow as he experiments with genres and continues building a legacy defined by authenticity, emotion, and artistic courage.

Conclusion

Duki stands as one of the most influential figures in the modern Latin music landscape. From Buenos Aires freestyle battles to worldwide recognition, his journey is a testament to passion, talent, and perseverance. As his career continues to soar, he remains an icon for millions and a driving force behind the evolution of Latin trap.