Watch Maluma Teach Second Graders How to Become Entrepreneurs: ‘Really Needed the Money’

Maluma went back to school for the latest episode of Celebrity Substitute, in which he became the teacher of an inquisitive group of second graders from an elementary school in New York’s Spanish Harlem.

In the nearly 20-minute clip, hosted by Julian Shapiro-Barnum, Mr. Maluma taught the children the basics of business and introduced them to his Latino culture.  

“I started making businesses when I was a kid — 15, 16 years old,” he said of his very first business venture. “I saw that there were some kids in high school that were not taking lunch, so I started cooking sandwiches with mom at home, and the next day going to school and selling them. I made them with love and really needed the money.”

After sharing his expertise and wisdom, Maluma — who also breeds horses and owns different restaurants in Colombia — helped the students create their businesses from scratch, and bring their visions to life in a friendly pitch competition. 

Additionally, the students asked the “Hawaii” singer fun questions and even danced to his 2018 hit “Corazón.” He told the class: “Being a kid again is one of the best times of my life.”

Maluma is confirmed for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week, taking place from Oct. 19 to 22 at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach. He will be part of the Sony Music Publishing Iconic Songwriter Q&A hosted by Billboard’s Co-Chief Content Officer Leila Cobo. The weeklong event coincides with the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards set for Oct. 22 on Telemundo and Peacock, from Miami’s James L. Knight Center. 

For registration and more information, visit billboardlatinmusicweek.