Yeison Jimenez is a Colombian singer-songwriter and composer Born on 26 July 1991 in the small town of Manzanares, Caldas, His life was a compelling story of resilience, talent and transformation. His journey from singing in local contests as a child to filling Colombia’s largest stages and reshaping the sound of regional popular music made him a household name and his unexpected passing has thrust his legacy into the global spotlight.
On 10 January 2026, Colombia and the wider Latin music world were stunned by the sudden death of Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano, the beloved singer-songwriter whose rise from humble beginnings to national stardom had made him one of the most influential voices in música popular (Colombian popular music). At just 34 years old, Jiménez lost his life in a tragic plane crash near Paipa in the department of Boyacá, when the private aircraft he was traveling in failed to gain altitude shortly after takeoff and plummeted into a field, killing all six people aboard. Authorities confirmed his death as rescue teams responded to the accident, and tributes quickly poured in from fans, fellow artists and cultural figures across Colombia and beyond.
Yeison Jimenez Early Life & Family Background
Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano was born on 26 July 1991 in Manzanares, Caldas, a small town in Colombia’s coffee-growing region, into a family marked by both artistic promise and early hardship. From a very young age, he exhibited a deep passion for music, entering local singing contests as a child and quickly becoming a standout performer. By the age of seven, he was already participating in youth singing competitions around Caldas, showcasing a remarkable vocal talent that would later define his career.
Jiménez’s family life was complex. His parents struggled with personal challenges, including heavy alcohol use, and eventually separated during his early childhood. Following incidents of domestic abuse, his mother, Luz Mery Galeano, left the family home with Yeison and his sister and relocated to Manizales, the capital of Caldas. Later, seeking new opportunities, she moved with her children to Bogotá.
The move to Bogotá marked a turning point in Yeison’s life. As a teenager, he confronted the harsh realities of urban life while trying to help support his family. He took a job at Corabastos, Bogotá’s major wholesale food market, where he worked long days loading and selling food produce. This period of intense labor taught him discipline and resilience; he later described his time at Corabastos as one of his first “schools of life,” a place where the grit and grind of daily work shaped not only his character but also the emotional depth of his songwriting.
Despite the economic and social struggles he faced, Yeison’s early experiences became a wellspring of creative inspiration. The challenges of poverty, street life and family instability found their way into the themes of sacrifice, ambition, and perseverance that would become signatures of his music.
Yeison Jimenez’s Education
Yeison Jiménez’s educational journey was as unconventional and determined as his path to musical stardom. After moving with his family from Manzanares, Caldas, to Bogotá during his adolescence, he continued his basic and secondary schooling in the Colombian capital. However, this period of his life was marked by significant challenges and personal struggles.
As a teenager, Jiménez became involved in negative influences and behaviors associated with the difficult environment where he grew up. These youthful missteps led to legal troubles that resulted in him spending a period under house arrest (casa por cárcel) while he was still a minor. Rather than letting this setback derail his future, he used the opportunity to focus on his education. During approximately seven months under house arrest, the only permission he was granted was to attend school, and he committed himself to completing his secondary education despite the restrictions.
Yeison Jimenez later explained in interviews that the principal of his school agreed to readmit him on the condition that he focus on his studies. With hard work and tenacity, he not only graduated from high school but also earned one of the highest scores on the national ICFES exam among his peers, demonstrating a deep commitment to turning his life around and pursuing a better future.
Although Jiménez did not attend university, his ability to persevere academically during a turbulent chapter in his life became an important part of his personal narrative reflecting early on his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles, qualities that later defined both his music and public persona.
Yeison Jimenez’s Musical Career
Yeison Jiménez’s journey from a young aspiring singer to one of Colombia’s most prominent figures in música popular reflects both his deep passion for music and his relentless work ethic.
Jiménez discovered his love for singing and songwriting early in life. Long before national fame, he began composing his own songs while still a teenager, honing his craft by writing lyrics and melodies that expressed the emotional nuances of everyday life. His first professional recording was “Te deseo lo mejor”, created with producer Jorge González (also known as El Peruano), marking his official entry into the recording world. Over time he recorded dozens of tracks, and these early efforts laid the foundation for his debut album.
In 2013, Jiménez released his first full-length album, Con el corazón – Vol. 1, which featured many of his initial compositions and began to circulate on regional radio and television, garnering attention across Colombia’s popular music scene.
His Breakthrough and National Success
Following his debut, Yeison Jimenez continued building his repertoire and reputation. In 2014, he released the single “Por qué la envidia”, recorded across Miami, Bogotá and Villavicencio, which became one of the songs that elevated his profile nationally. It was featured on his 2015 album Vuelve y me pasa, which he supported with a nationwide tour through major Colombian cities.
By this time, Jiménez had collaborated with and shared the stage with established artists in the música popular genre, such as El Charrito Negro, Jhonny Rivera, Giovanny Ayala and Jhon Alex Castaño, helping cement his status as a rising star.
Continued Growth and International Reach
As his career progressed, Jiménez became known for his emotionally resonant lyrics and powerful vocal style. He amassed a broad catalog of hits that found strong support among fans on streaming platforms and social media, including tracks like “Aventurero”, “Vete”, “Guaro (Remix)” and “Hasta la Madre”, many of which accumulated millions of views on YouTube and other services.
Beyond Colombia, Jiménez’s music reached audiences in the United States and Europe, with performances in cities like New Jersey and tours that introduced his sound to international audiences.
Career Highlights
- Television and Industry Recognition: In 2021, Jiménez served as a judge on the eighth season of the popular Caracol TV talent show Yo Me Llamo, broadening his public profile beyond music alone.
- Record-setting Concerts: In 2025, he achieved a major career milestone by headlining a concert at Estadio El Campín in Bogotá, drawing tens of thousands of fans in what became one of the genre’s most talked-about live events.
Throughout his career, Jiménez’s music remained rooted in stories of love, heartbreak, resilience and everyday struggles, themes that resonated deeply with his audience and helped him become one of Colombia’s leading voices in modern música popular.
Yeison Jimenez Major Hits
As Yeison Jiménez’s career matured, he moved beyond early regional success to become one of the leading voices in Colombian música popular. Over the course of more than a decade recording and performing, he built a diverse catalog that resonated deeply with fans in Colombia and across Latin America. His songs blended heartfelt storytelling with a modern take on the traditional popular genre, capturing themes of love, pain, resilience and everyday experience.
Among his most beloved and widely recognized tracks were “Por qué la envidia”, a song that addressed critics and doubters early in his career; “Vuelve y me pasa”, a defining hit that expanded his audience; “Aventurero” and “Vete”, which became staples on regional playlists; as well as “De Pura Rabia”, “Cómo duele” and “Hasta la madre”, which showcased his emotional range and lyrical honesty. These singles — along with live favorites like “Me tire al alcohol” and collaborations such as “Gracias a Ti” with Silvestre Dangond — helped cement his standing as a major figure in música popular.
Across his career, Jiménez released multiple albums including Con el Corazón, Mi Promesa and En Escena, Vol. 1 (En Vivo) that brought his music to both intimate venues and large stages, including international performances in Europe and the United States.
Yeison Jimenez Awards and Industry Recognition
Yeison Jimenez’s work earned him widespread critical attention and nominations across major Latin music platforms. Throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, he was repeatedly nominated at Premios Nuestra Tierra, one of Colombia’s most prestigious music awards, in categories such as Artista Popular del Año and Canción Popular del Año for hits like Aventurero, Ni Tengo Ni Necesito and Hasta La Madre. He also received nominations at the Premios Juventud and Premios Lo Nuestro in 2022 for his crossover appeal, particularly for the mariachi-influenced single “Tu Amante”.
In addition to these industry nods, Jiménez won early career recognitions such as Mejor Artista Revelación at Premios D’Repente Films and Mejor Artista Popular at Premios Mi Gente TV — accolades that acknowledged not only his artistic growth but also his impact on audiences across Colombia. He was also honored in 2023 as Embajador de la Música Popular Regional Colombiana, underscoring his role in elevating the genre’s status on both national and international stages.
Yeison Jimenez Discography
His Studio Albums
Yeison Jimenez’s body of recorded work includes several full-length albums that helped define his sound and expand his reach within música popular:
- Con el Corazón (2015) — Jiménez’s debut album, featuring many of his early hits that introduced him to a wider audience.
- Todo de Mi (Vol. 4) (2017) — Part of his developing catalog of popular music tracks.
- Mi Promesa (Con el Corazón) (2019) — A milestone album that cemented his status as a household name in the genre.
- Quinto Elemento (Deluxe) (2021) — A deluxe edition highlighting his growth and experimentation as an artist.
His Live & Other Albums
Yeison also released several live recordings and special collections:
- De Farra Con Yeison Jimenez (En Vivo) (2022) — A live album capturing the energy of his performances.
- En Escena, Vol. 1 (En Vivo) (2023) — A popular live release with a selection of his best-loved songs.
Yeison Jimenez Notable Singles (Selected)
In addition to his album tracks, Yeison Jimenez released numerous stand-alone singles that enjoyed radio play, streaming success and fan acclaim:
- “Aventurero” — A signature hit that became one of his most streamed songs.
- “Guaro (Remix)” — A collaborative remix blending popular sounds with his regional style.
- “Hasta la Madre” — A powerful emotional track with strong streaming numbers.
- “El Mejor (Remix)” — Another remix that showcased his evolving musical reach.
- “Pedazos” (feat. Natalia Jiménez) (2025) — One of his most recent singles, released shortly before his death.
- “Se Acabó” (2025) — A popular standalone single with a strong digital presence.
- “Mi Venganza” — A beloved track noted for its emotive songwriting.
- “Ya No Mi Amor” — An early hit that helped grow his audience.
Other Popular Tracks
Yeison’s catalog also includes a variety of crowd favorites that have become staples at concerts and on streaming platforms, such as:
- “Vete”
- “Por Qué La Envidia”
- “MLP (Me La Pelaron)”
- “Te Voy a Olvidar”
- “Cómo Duele”
- “Un Perro Enamorado”
Yeison Jimenez Personal Life: Wife, Children & Family
Yeison Jiménez’s personal life was grounded in a long-standing and deeply rooted marriage with his wife Sonia Restrepo, the woman who stood beside him from the early days of his career to the height of his fame. The couple first met when Jiménez was performing in his home region of Caldas, and Sonia then a young woman attended the concert with friends. Their connection blossomed into a committed relationship, and they built a life together over more than a decade.
Sonia Restrepo was not only Jiménez’s life partner but also one of his strongest personal supports. A public accountant with a specialization in tax law (tributario), she maintained a relatively private life despite her husband’s growing fame, often staying out of the public spotlight and choosing to support his career from behind the scenes.
Although the couple faced occasional speculation in the media about the state of their relationship, including rumors of separation, they consistently affirmed their commitment to one another and continued to present a united family front in public appearances and social media moments.
Yeison and Sonia had 3 children and raised a blended family that became central to their identity and life outside music:
- Camila – The eldest daughter, who is Sonia’s child from before their relationship. Yeison embraced her as his own from a young age, and he often spoke publicly about his love and devotion to her.
- Thaliana – The couple’s first biological daughter together, born several years into their relationship, and a frequent presence in family photos shared by Jiménez.
- Santiago – The youngest child and first son, born around mid-2024, whose arrival added joy and completeness to the family. Jiménez openly celebrated Santiago’s birth and often shared heartfelt moments of fatherhood on social media.
As a father, Jiménez was known for being hands-on and affectionate, frequently highlighting the importance of his children in interviews and online posts. His family life was a frequent theme in his discussions about balance, purpose, and priorities beyond the stage.
Yeison Jimenez Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond his success as a singer-songwriter, Yeison Jiménez was also recognized as a savvy entrepreneur and investor, building multiple revenue streams that extended well past the recording studio and concert stage.
Jiménez parlayed his fame and strong personal brand into a variety of business ventures:
- Merchandise and Branding: Leveraging his popularity, he developed a successful merchandising business, including the sale of branded products such as caps and accessories, which he promoted actively through his social media platforms. At times, these products generated substantial revenues, with reports of millions of Colombian pesos in sales over short periods.
- Agribusiness and Livestock: A passionate advocate of rural life and the agricultural economy, Jiménez invested heavily in ganadería (cattle and livestock), including raising cattle and high-quality horses (caballos de paso fino). He also acquired fincas (farms) and ranch properties focused on sustainable cattle and equine operations, reflecting his deep personal connection to the countryside.
- Real Estate: In addition to his ventures in Colombia, Jiménez expanded his investment portfolio into finca raíz (real estate) in the United States, acquiring residential properties and indicating an intention to grow his holdings abroad. He spoke candidly about the challenges faced when entering the U.S. property market and his eventual success in securing valuable assets.
- Hospitality and Agritourism: Reports suggest involvement in projects related to hotels and tourism connected to his agricultural businesses, an ambition aligned with broadening the economic impact of his brand beyond music and livestock.
These businesses not only diversified his income but also connected with his personal identity as someone rooted in rural Colombian culture.
Yeison Jimenez Net Worth
His estimated net worth is around US $5 million to $6 million (approximately ₱12,000 million–₱20,000 million Colombian pesos), based on earnings from music sales, streaming royalties, live performances, social media monetization and his various businesses.
His monthly revenue from digital platforms alone particularly his highly followed YouTube channel was reported in the tens of thousands of dollars, marking a solid baseline income from online audiences.
Jiménez also publicly shared insights about his monthly expenses and business costs, revealing that maintaining a large household, payroll and other fixed costs could run into hundreds of millions of pesos monthly, a testament both to his financial scale and the complexity of his operations.
Yeison Jimenez’s Death and Cause of Death
On 10 January 2026, Colombian popular music star Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano died in a tragic plane crash that shocked Colombia and fans of música popular around the world. He was 34 years old at the time of his death.
That afternoon, Jiménez was aboard a private charter aircraft — a Piper PA-31 Navajo with registration N325FA — departing from Juan José Rondón Airport in Paipa, Boyacá, en route to Medellín, where he had a concert scheduled later that evening. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft **failed to gain sufficient altitude and crashed into a field very near the end of the runway in the rural area between Paipa and Duitama.
All six people on board — including Jiménez, the pilot, co-pilot and members of his team — were killed instantly when the aircraft went down.
The crash site was attended by the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority (Aerocivil), the National Police, firefighters and rescue teams, who confirmed there were no survivors. Preliminary reports and video footage of the scene showed the plane engulfed in flames after impact, and emergency responders activated full investigation protocols.
Although the exact technical causes of the accident are still under investigation, initial assessments suggest the aircraft’s inability to climb may have been due to factors during takeoff — a critical phase of flight where insufficient lift or a loss of control can lead quickly to disaster. Authorities continue to gather evidence to determine what ultimately led to the fatal crash.
Yeison Jimenez’s sudden death has dominated news coverage across Colombian and international media, with outlets emphasizing both the tragic circumstances of the accident and his cultural impact as one of the música popular genre’s most influential contemporary artists.
Legacy
Yeison Jiménez’s impact on música popular colombiana transcended chart success and concert attendance he became a defining voice of a generation and one of the genre’s most recognizable ambassadors. His legacy is built on several enduring contributions to music and culture:
- Elevating Música Popular in the Mainstream: Through his powerful vocal delivery, heartfelt songwriting and emotionally resonant performances, Jiménez helped bring música popular colombiana to new commercial heights and wider audiences, both within Colombia and internationally. His songs — including “Aventurero”, “Por Qué la Envidia” and “Vete” — consistently garnered millions of streams and views on digital platforms, reflecting a deep connection with fans.
- Cultural Representation: Yeison Jimenez’s music was firmly rooted in the traditions of Colombian popular music — a genre that blends regional sounds with heartfelt storytelling — yet he also brought a contemporary energy and emotional honesty that resonated with younger listeners. This helped bridge the gap between classic regional styles and modern audiences.
- From Humble Beginnings to Major Stadiums: His rise from working in Bogotá’s Corabastos market to headlining massive venues like Bogotá’s Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campín — where he drew tens of thousands of fans — became a compelling rags-to-riches narrative widely celebrated in media and among his followers.
- Influence Beyond Music: Jiménez’s visibility expanded beyond recording and touring. He served as a judge on the popular television show Yo Me Llamo, where he supported and mentored aspiring vocalists, further extending his influence within the entertainment industry.
- Enduring Musical Catalog: With more than 70 compositions to his name, Jiménez left a rich musical catalog that continues to be streamed, covered and celebrated. His recordings remain staples on playlists and radio stations, ensuring his voice and artistry endure.
Conclusion
Yeison Jiménez is remembered not just as a powerful, emotional voice of modern música popular, but as a figure whose life embodied themes of resilience and transformation a young man from Manzanares who overcame adversity to become one of Colombia’s most beloved artists, a devoted family man, and a cultural icon whose music will continue to inspire future generations.
Here’s a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section based on the full biography content you compiled, written clearly and ready to use:
FAQ About Yeison Jiménez
Q: Who was Yeison Jiménez?
A: Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano was a Colombian singer-songwriter and composer recognized as one of the leading voices in the modern música popular genre.
Q: When and where was Yeison Jimenez born?
A: He was born on 26 July 1991 in Manzanares, Caldas, Colombia.
Q: What type of music did Yeison Jimenez make?
A: He performed and composed música popular colombiana, often blending traditional regional styles with modern influences.
Q: How did Yeison Jimenez get started in music?
A: Jiménez began singing in childhood contests in Caldas, later writing songs as a teenager and releasing his first professional recording titled “Te deseo lo mejor”.
Q: What are some of his biggest hits?
A: His best-known songs include “Aventurero,” “Vete,” “Por Qué La Envidia,” “Vuelve y Me Pasa,” “Hasta la Madre,” and “Guaro (Remix)”.
Q: Did Yeison Jimenez have a family?
A: Yes. He shared his life with Sonia Restrepo, and they raised three children: Camila, Thaliana, and Santiago.
Q: Was he involved in anything outside of music?
A: Yes. He was also a businessman, investing in merchandise, agribusiness, livestock, real estate, and agritourism.
Q: What was Yeison Jiménez’s estimated net worth?
A: His estimated net worth is around US $5 million to $6 million (approximately ₱12,000 million–₱20,000 million Colombian pesos).
Q: How and when did he die?
A: He died on 10 January 2026 at age 34 in a private plane crash near Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia.
Q: How is he remembered today?
A: Yeison Jiménez is remembered as a major cultural icon of música popular, a self-made success story, and an artist whose work continues to influence new audiences.
