The Colombian music world was plunged into mourning on Saturday, January 10, following the tragic death of popular singer Yeison Jiménez. The 44-year-old star of 'música popular' died in a plane crash while en route to a scheduled performance in Marinilla. As fans grapple with the loss, details of his successful career and substantial wealth have come to light, painting a picture of an artist who built a multifaceted financial empire.
A Thriving Career Cut Short
Yeison Jiménez was traveling on a private charter flight from Paipa to Medellín Airport after a performance in Boyacá. Tragically, the aircraft, identified as N325FA, failed to gain altitude and crashed in a field near the end of the runway. Colombia’s Office of Air Traffic Accidents confirmed the accident claimed six lives. Among the victims were Jiménez and his manager, Jefferson Osorio. The news was confirmed by Billboard Español, sending shockwaves through the Latin music community.
His final Instagram post, shared just hours before the crash, was a clip from his recent musical performance. Born on July 26, 1991, in Manzanares, Caldas, Jiménez began his music career at a young age and rose to fame with his debut album "Con El Corazón - Volume 1." He was a prominent figure in Colombian popular music and also appeared as a panellist on the eighth season of the popular show "Yo Me Llamo" on Caracol Televisión in 2021.
Diverse Streams Built a Multi-Million Dollar Fortune
While his exact net worth was not publicly disclosed, estimates from Net Worth Spot place it at around $5.6 million. This fortune was not built on music alone. Jiménez was a savvy entrepreneur who diversified his income through several channels:
- Digital Revenue: His YouTube channel, started in 2012, amassed nearly 2.74 million subscribers with over 700 videos. Analysts at YouTubers.me estimate his earnings from YouTube advertisements exceeded $1.1 million. He also had a massive social media following, with over 5.2 million Instagram followers, which contributed to his income through sponsored posts and collaborations.
- Music and Performances: His primary source of income remained his thriving music career, encompassing album sales, streaming revenue, and lucrative live tours. He made history in 2024 by becoming the first Colombian popular music artist to sell out Bogotá’s Movistar Arena three times. In a landmark achievement last year, he also became the first Colombian regional artist to sell out the massive El Campín Stadium in Bogotá.
- Business Ventures: Beyond music, Jiménez built a business empire through merchandising, selling his own line of clothes and accessories. This move to launch his own products was a strategic step to expand and diversify his financial portfolio significantly.
Legacy of a Latin Music Icon
Yeison Jiménez's sudden death has left a void in the music industry. He is survived by his wife and three children. At the time of his passing, he was preparing for a second historic show at El Campín Stadium, scheduled for March 28—a performance that will now never happen.
His journey from a young talent to a multi-millionaire artist showcases the modern blueprint for success in the digital age, combining artistic passion with astute business acumen. His legacy is not only one of chart-topping music but also of building a sustainable, diversified career that leveraged his fame across platforms, from stage to screen to social media.
