From Colombia, a cradle of innovation and art, Esteban Gil Arcila, professionally known as Esteban Tosta, has risen to become a reference in lighting design.
At 38 years old, this talented professional has traveled a path full of challenges and learning experiences, from small youth parties known as “minitecas” (mobile music and light events very popular in Colombia), to illuminating the world’s biggest stages alongside stars like Maluma.
A Start in Light
Esteban discovered his passion for lighting in 2003, right after finishing high school. At that time, he was studying graphic design, but an unexpected opportunity changed his course forever. “I met a friend who took me to work at a company called Genesis Producciones when they were just doing minitecas,” he recalls.
Over time, Genesis Producciones grew into one of Medellín’s biggest companies, bringing with it the chance to work with international artists. However, Esteban felt he needed to go further, and in 2013, he decided to leave the company and venture out as a freelancer. “I left the company and started working for other companies and artists,” he says.
That same year, Esteban participated in a Latin American design and programming competition for grandMA2 consoles in Peru: “Five of us went from Colombia, and there we got more exposure,” he says about his experience in the competition, which not only gave him visibility but also certified him in the use of this lighting technology, opening doors to new opportunities.
One of the key moments in his career came when he began working with Maluma, who was just starting to rise to stardom at the time. “I started working with him when he was just beginning his career. I accompanied him on his bigger shows or those that required more equipment,” he explains.
As Maluma’s fame grew worldwide, Esteban became a key part of his team. Not only did he design the lights, but he also got involved in video, special effects, and even took on the role of general producer for a year.
The Relationship with Maluma: a Shared Vision for Success
Over the years, Esteban’s professional relationship with singer and businessman Juan Luis Londoño Arias has been a crucial factor in the success of the artist’s shows. “He’s very focused and has his goals very clear, attentive to our recommendations and suggestions. My focus has always been to make him look impeccable, both for those who see him up close and for those who see him on the screens,” he explains.
His collaboration with visual director Camilo Mejía has been essential to achieving perfect cohesion between the lights and the visuals displayed at each show.
The lighting design of every Maluma show is a carefully crafted visual experience, and Tosta is the architect behind those unforgettable moments. When it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere for a tour, the inspiration comes directly from what the artist wants to convey. “Each tour has a different focus in relation to what the artist wants to show,” he declares.
“Often, festival-type shows like this one are more about adapting the content of the tour,” he comments. No matter the equipment limitations or venue conditions, the LD strives to make the tour programming look its best. The contribution of lighting is not just aesthetic; it’s emotional. For Esteban, the success of a show is measured by the audience’s reaction, by their ability to connect with the visual experience and want to relive it.
Elation: Esteban Gil Arcila’s Choice to Illuminate Maluma
The story of this LD and the ELATION brand began over a decade ago. “I’ve known it for many years from the company I worked at, that was in mid-2009 or earlier, I think,” says Esteban. From those early days, he realized that these lights were not just tools but allies in his quest to create memorable visual experiences.
For Maluma’s most recent show, Esteban chose a variety of ELATION fixtures that reflect his commitment to innovation and quality. “We used Proteus Maximus, Proteus Excalibur, Proteus Rayzor 1960, Pulse Panel FX, Sol I Blinder, and Chorus Line 16 moving heads,” he details.
Esteban has not only worked with cutting-edge fixtures but has also used Show Designer 1 and 2 consoles, as well as 575 SP and WS moving heads, since his early days with the brand.
Among the features he values most about ELATION, he highlights its “great quality” and “optics.” The constant evolution of the products, as he has seen with the Proteus Excalibur movers, has been essential to his creative process. With each new version, Esteban finds more tools to express his artistic vision.
Every live show presents its own challenges, and Maluma’s recent event was no exception. “The main challenge was with the Pulse Panel FX, as it’s a rarely used fixture in festivals,” explains Esteban, and despite his inexperience with these lights, he faced the situation with determination. He adapted his content to the equipment’s setup, though he couldn’t maximize its performance as it wasn’t in its most extended mode. “Nevertheless, it showed its versatility and power for the use I presented,” he mentions with satisfaction.
As the intrepid LD continues to explore the potential of ELATION lights, these challenges only reinforce his ability to turn every show into a unique experience where lighting and music intertwine seamlessly.
He also employed a variety of specific lighting design techniques for Maluma’s show, always with the goal of creating a captivating atmosphere for the audience. “The highlight for this type of show, like festivals, is making the artist look imposing and stand out,” he says enthusiastically.
The influence of lighting technology, especially from brands like ELATION, is essential in Esteban’s design process. “Every show or tour we imagine is tied to the type of equipment we use,” he says, adding: “That’s why the constant innovation of brands, offering new equipment and fresh ideas, is key. This not only facilitates the design but also allows for testing and experimenting with new setups, which boosts confidence when integrating them into the riders.”
“For me, as a lighting designer, the brand’s support is crucial when working with the equipment,” he affirms confidently, “and the trust I have in ELATION is total, as I feel that I always have the necessary support. Whenever I have doubts or need solutions, the brand is attentive,” he adds, highlighting the constant attention he receives from their team.
“I particularly work a lot with pixel bar-type equipment, and ELATION’s Chorus Line 16 fixtures are the ones I’m most offered and the ones I request the most,” he describes. This versatility is key for Esteban, as it adapts to various creative needs that arise during the planning and execution of his shows.
When it comes to planning his shows, Esteban uses several design programs, with WYSIWYG being his main tool. “We also work with Vectorworks; for visualization, we prefer Capture or Depence,” he says.
One advantage of these tools is that they come with the complete ELATION brand library, making it easier to integrate the chosen lights into his design. “And the best thing is that if necessary, we can request updates to make it as accurate as possible,” he adds, highlighting the brand’s commitment to user satisfaction.
Esteban Gil Arcila is passionate about his craft, and his choice of lighting console reflects his experience and personal preference. For this event, he used the grandMA console, a tool that has become his most trusted ally. “I always work with the grandMA brand because it’s the console I’m most familiar with and the one I’m most comfortable working with,” he confidently explains. This level of familiarity not only allows him to handle his creativity smoothly but also puts him in a favorable position in the competitive world of live shows.
The grandMA is known for its robustness and versatility, making it the most widely used console in the entertainment industry. “Likewise, it’s the brand and console most used in the live show business,” Esteban adds.
When designing lighting for a show, Esteban faces the challenge of creating immersive and memorable experiences for the audience, adapting his approach to the particularities of each event. “Every show is different,” he asserts, highlighting that it’s not the same to work for a specific artist as it is for a festival, where he must meet the expectations of several lighting designers.
The key, according to Esteban, lies in ensuring that the equipment is in optimal condition and responds appropriately. “This also depends on the company providing these services and their equipment,” he emphasizes. This reliability allows them to focus on creating unforgettable moments.
And one particularly impactful moment during Maluma’s show came in the final stretch, when he decided to maximize the power of the ELATION Pulse Panel FX. “In a song before the show ended, I turned up its luminous strength to the maximum,” he explains. “This adjustment not only enhanced the atmosphere of the song but also created a play of shadows and shapes that highlighted the musicians and dancers on stage. The visual energy generated by the lights became an integral part of the experience, elevating the audience’s emotional connection with the music and the show.”
Esteban reflects on his career and highlights the 11:11 Tour as a milestone in his development as a lighting designer. In this project, he created an impressive installation with a central star and 38 Chorus Line 16s, as well as integrating a Kinet system that allowed for dynamic visual effects. “With its movement and tilt, we achieved very imposing effects,” he comments.
His career, marked by significant collaborations and a constant focus on innovation, has been largely supported by his use of the brand.
In his own words, he emphasizes: “The most valuable thing to highlight was that everything was with ELATION or mostly, and having the brand’s support made the festival much more dynamic and striking.”
Esteban Tosta continues to rise as one of the most innovative lighting designers in the industry, his journey fueled by passion, creativity, and the powerful tools at his disposal.
From small beginnings in Medellín to illuminating stages for global icons like Maluma, his dedication to crafting unforgettable visual experiences is unwavering.
With brands like ELATION by his side, Esteban pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in lighting design, ensuring that each show leaves a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
