Yeison Jiménez biography – Learn about the Colombian música popular star’s wife Sonia Restrepo, three children, hit songs, tragic death in 2026, and estimated net worth.
Who is Yeison Jiménez?
Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano was a Colombian singer-songwriter who became one of the most prominent voices in música popular (Colombian popular music) before his tragic death on January 10, 2026. Born on July 26, 1991, in Manzanares, Caldas, Colombia, he transformed from a young boy working at Bogotá’s wholesale market to a chart-topping artist who sold out Colombia’s largest stadiums.
At just 34 years old, Yeison achieved what many considered impossible—making música popular mainstream. He became the first artist in the genre to sell out Bogotá’s prestigious Movistar Arena three times in 2024 and later made history by filling El Campín Stadium. His emotional storytelling, powerful vocals, and authentic lyrics resonated with millions across Latin America and beyond.
Yeison’s journey embodied perseverance against all odds. From humble beginnings marked by family struggles and poverty to becoming a multi-millionaire artist, he wrote over 70 songs and released eight albums during his career. His breakthrough single “Te Deseo Lo Mejor” launched his professional career in 2013, while hits like “Aventurero,” “Por qué la envidia,” and “Vuelve y me pasa” cemented his status as música popular royalty.
Beyond music, Yeison was a devoted family man, married to Sonia Restrepo with whom he raised three children. His legacy extends beyond entertainment—he represented hope for thousands who saw their own struggles reflected in his rise from poverty to stardom.
Quick Facts About Yeison Jiménez
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yeison Orlando Jiménez Galeano |
| Date of Birth | July 26, 1991 |
| Date of Death | January 10, 2026 |
| Age at Death | 34 years old |
| Place of Birth | Manzanares, Caldas, Colombia |
| Wife | Sonia Restrepo (partner, not formally married) |
| Children | Three (Camila, Thaliana, Santiago) |
| Father | Orlando Jiménez Aristizábal |
| Mother | Luz Mery Galeano |
| Genre | Música Popular (Colombian Popular Music) |
| First Hit Song | “Te Deseo Lo Mejor” (2013) |
| Record Label | Sony Music Colombia (2018-2026) |
| Total Songs Written | Over 70 compositions |
| Albums Released | Eight studio albums |
| Estimated Net Worth | $5-6 million USD |
Early Life and Family Struggles
Yeison Jiménez was born on July 26, 1991, in Manzanares, Caldas, to Orlando Jiménez Aristizábal and Luz Mery Galeano. Despite being born into relative wealth, his childhood was marked by trauma and instability. Both parents struggled with alcoholism, creating a volatile home environment that would profoundly shape Yeison’s future music.
His parents’ relationship deteriorated when Orlando met another woman and engaged in domestic abuse against Luz Mery. The violence became so severe that Luz Mery escaped with young Yeison and his sister, fleeing to her sister’s house in Manizales, the capital of Caldas department.
As Yeison later recounted, his father subsequently drained the family’s wealth, leaving them in poverty. During his teenage years, Luz Mery made a life-changing decision to move the family to Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, following advice from her then-boyfriend. Tragically, this man abandoned them just one week after the move, leaving the family stranded in an unfamiliar city with limited resources.
This abandonment forced teenage Yeison to become the family breadwinner. He began working at Corabastos, Bogotá’s main wholesale market, performing grueling physical labor while nurturing his dream of becoming a professional singer. It was during these five difficult years at the market that he began writing songs, transforming his pain and struggles into lyrics that would later resonate with millions.
Musical Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Yeison’s musical journey began remarkably early—at just seven years old, he started participating in singing contests throughout Caldas. His natural talent earned him the title “King of Song” at a children’s song festival in Manzanares for five consecutive years, foreshadowing his future stardom.
While working at Corabastos from age 14 to 19, Yeison never abandoned his musical aspirations. He wrote songs during breaks, drawing inspiration from his own experiences of poverty, family dysfunction, and determination. This period of hardship became the foundation for his authentic, emotionally raw songwriting style.
In 2013, Yeison released his debut album “Con El Corazón – Volume 1,” featuring his first commercial song “Te Deseo Lo Mejor” (I Wish You The Best). This self-written track introduced audiences to his unique ability to blend Mexican ranchera traditions with Colombian folk influences, creating a sound that felt both familiar and fresh.
The breakthrough came in 2014 with “Por qué la envidia” (Why The Envy), a defiant anthem addressing critics who doubted his potential. The song’s success led to his second album “Vuelve Y Me Pasa” (It Happens To Me Again) in 2015, which expanded his audience throughout Colombia.
By 2018, Yeison’s star had risen sufficiently to attract Sony Music Colombia’s attention. His signing marked a turning point, bringing professional production and marketing support. His first single under Sony, “Aventurero” (Adventurer), became a massive year-end hit and featured on his first official album “Mi Promesa” (My Promise), which compiled 20 of his principal songs.
Hit Songs and Musical Legacy
Yeison Jiménez’s discography showcases remarkable evolution while maintaining emotional authenticity. His most beloved songs include “Te Deseo Lo Mejor,” “Por qué la envidia,” “Vuelve y me pasa,” “Aventurero,” “Vete,” “De Pura Rabia,” “Cómo duele,” “Hasta la madre,” and “Me tire al alcohol.” Each track tells stories of love, betrayal, perseverance, and redemption.
His collaboration with established artists elevated his profile. He performed alongside música popular legends including El Charrito Negro, Jhonny Rivera, Giovanny Ayala, and Jhon Alex Castaño. A notable collaboration came with vallenato superstar Silvestre Dangond on “Gracias a Ti,” demonstrating his crossover appeal.
In 2021, “Tu Amante” made history by reaching No. 16 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart and No. 48 on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart—the first time a Colombian popular music artist achieved this milestone. This breakthrough proved música popular’s commercial viability beyond Colombia.
His albums—including “En Escena, Vol. 1 (En Vivo)”—captured the energy of his live performances, which took him to international stages across Europe and the United States. His YouTube channel amassed 2.74 million subscribers, with music videos accumulating millions of views.
Marriage and Family Life
Yeison met Sonia Restrepo when he was just 22 years old and she was 18, during a performance in his home region of Caldas. She attended his concert with friends, and their connection began with playful teasing after his performance. They went on a date the following day, marking the start of a 12-year relationship.
Although they referred to each other as husband and wife and planned to marry, they never formalized their union. Yeison reportedly planned a proposal in February 2023 at the Eiffel Tower, but the plan fell through when the lights didn’t turn on that night. Their wedding was postponed due to the birth of their son.
Sonia brought a daughter named Maria Camila (sometimes referred to as Camila) from a previous relationship, whom Yeison adopted and raised as his own. Together, they welcomed two biological children: daughter Thaliana in 2018 and son Santiago in July 2024. Yeison cherished all three children equally, frequently sharing family moments on social media.
Yeison openly acknowledged infidelity during their relationship, admitting he had been unfaithful to Sonia on multiple occasions over their 12 years together. Despite these challenges, Sonia stood by him, and Yeison credited her with helping him through difficult periods in his life and career.
The family resided in Bogotá, where Yeison balanced his demanding touring schedule with quality time at home. He often expressed fears about something happening to him before seeing his children grow up—a tragically prescient concern given his untimely death when his youngest was only six months old.
Historic Career Achievements
Yeison Jiménez’s career milestones redefined what was possible for música popular artists. In 2024, he became the first singer in the genre’s history to sell out Bogotá’s Movistar Arena—not once, but three times. This achievement signaled música popular’s transition from niche regional genre to mainstream phenomenon.
His crowning achievement came when he sold out El Campín Stadium in Bogotá, becoming the first Colombian regional artist to fill the iconic venue. He was preparing for a second El Campín show scheduled for March 28, 2026, which tragically never occurred due to his death.
In 2021, he served as a jury member on the eighth season of “Yo Me Llamo,” a popular musical program on Caracol Televisión. This television exposure expanded his influence beyond music fans to general audiences.
His social media presence was formidable—5.2 million Instagram followers and 2.74 million YouTube subscribers. He maintained an active online presence, posting nearly 700 videos on YouTube since joining the platform in 2012.
Blu Radio credited Yeison with making música popular mainstream, acknowledging his role in elevating a genre once dismissed as “cantina music” to respected artistic expression. His success opened doors for younger artists and proved the commercial viability of authentic Colombian regional music.
The Tragic Plane Crash
On January 10, 2026, Yeison Jiménez boarded a private plane (registration N325FA) in Paipa, Boyacá, heading to Medellín for a scheduled evening performance in Marinilla. Accompanying him were his manager Jefferson Osorio, photographer Weisman Mora, and team members Juan Manuel Rodríguez and Óscar Marín, along with pilot Captain Fernando Torres.
Shortly after takeoff around 4:00 PM local time, the aircraft failed to gain proper altitude. According to reports, the plane began rocking and showed no speed or climbing ability. Yeison’s cameraman noticed water leaking from the engine. The aircraft crashed in a field near Paipa and Duitama, killing all six people aboard instantly.
Colombia’s Office of Air Traffic Accidents confirmed the crash and initiated an investigation into its cause. The tragedy occurred near the towns of Paipa and Duitama in Boyacá department, sending shockwaves through Colombia’s entertainment industry and beyond.
Yeison’s team announced his death on Instagram with a heartbreaking statement: “With heavy hearts and a pain impossible to describe, the organization and team of Yeison Jiménez deeply regret to inform you of his passing. Today we say goodbye not only to an artist; we say goodbye to a son, a brother, a friend, a human being full of dreams and courage.”
Colombian officials declared a period of mourning, and fans across Latin America held vigils. His sister Lina Jiménez shared their last photo together on Instagram, writing: “I never thought this would be our last meeting, our last concert, the last photo.”
Net Worth and Financial Success
Estimates place Yeison Jiménez’s net worth between $5 million and $6 million USD at the time of his death. This wealth derived from multiple revenue streams including music sales, streaming royalties, concert ticket revenues, YouTube advertising, merchandise sales, and endorsements.
His YouTube channel alone generated substantial income with nearly 700 videos and 2.74 million subscribers. His Instagram following of 5.2 million provided additional sponsorship and promotional opportunities.
Concert performances constituted a major income source, particularly after achieving stadium-selling status. His Movistar Arena and El Campín Stadium shows commanded premium ticket prices, with all events selling out completely.
His 2018 contract with Sony Music Colombia brought professional production budgets, marketing support, and access to larger distribution networks, significantly increasing his earning potential. The label invested in high-quality music videos and promotional campaigns that expanded his audience.
Beyond music, Yeison demonstrated business acumen through various ventures, though specific details of these investments remain private. His financial success represented remarkable achievement for someone who started with nothing, working grueling market jobs as a teenager.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Yeison Jiménez’s impact on música popular cannot be overstated. He transformed a genre often dismissed as regional or working-class into mainstream entertainment, proving that authentic storytelling transcends social boundaries. Blu Radio credited him with making música popular socially acceptable and commercially viable.
His legacy lives in the 70+ songs he composed, each telling stories of struggle, love, betrayal, and triumph. These compositions remain popular on streaming platforms, ensuring his voice continues reaching new audiences. His YouTube videos accumulate views daily, introducing younger generations to his music.
He inspired countless aspiring musicians from humble backgrounds, proving that talent and determination can overcome poverty and lack of connections. His story—from Corabastos market worker to stadium-filling superstar—embodies the Colombian dream.
His influence extends beyond Colombia through international performances in Germany, France, Italy, and the United States. He demonstrated música popular’s universal appeal, with non-Spanish speakers connecting to his emotional delivery.
Educational impact came through his television work and public speaking, where he shared his journey and encouraged young people facing adversity. His philanthropic efforts included funding university scholarships for fans, demonstrating commitment to lifting others.
