Colombian superstar Maluma took a break from sold-out arenas to spend a day as a substitute teacher in a Spanish Harlem classroom in New York City. The visit, part of the Celebrity Substitute program, brought the reggaetonero face-to-face with a group of second-graders who were more used to seeing him on their parents' playlists than at the front of their class.
Instead of a music lesson, Maluma turned the day into a crash course in entrepreneurship. The kids were tasked with dreaming up their own mini-businesses, and the singer walked among the desks, offering encouragement and high-fives as they presented their ideas. It was a hands-on way to show that creativity and hustle can start at any age.
From sandwiches to stardom
To drive the point home, Maluma opened up about his own early days as a young entrepreneur. He told the students that when he was around fifteen or sixteen, he noticed some classmates would forget their lunch. So, with his mother's help, he started making sandwiches every night and selling them at school the next day. It was a simple idea born from a daily need, but it taught him the value of effort and hard work.
“I learned that if you put love into what you do, people feel it,” Maluma shared, according to a video posted by Billboard Latin. The anecdote resonated with the kids, who saw that even a global star once had to hustle to make a few bucks.
The singer's business acumen didn't stop at sandwiches. Today, Maluma manages a portfolio that includes horse breeding and restaurants in Colombia, proving that his entrepreneurial spirit extends far beyond music. He's a living example that the skills learned in a school project can translate into real-world success.
The day wasn't all work, though. After the presentations, the classroom turned into a mini dance party as Maluma played his hit “Corazón.” The kids let loose, dancing and laughing, while the singer beamed. “Feeling like a kid again for a few hours was one of the best moments of my life,” he said with a wide smile.
For the Latino community in Spanish Harlem, seeing one of their own give back was powerful. Maluma's visit wasn't just a celebrity stunt; it was a reminder that success is possible, no matter where you start. As he continues to dominate charts and expand his business empire, this day in a New York classroom might just be one of his most impactful performances yet.
For more on Maluma's recent moves, check out his growing family and his latest collaboration with Shakira.
