Thousands of fans, totaling 14,000 as announced onstage, gathered at the Movistar Arena in Bogotá on Wednesday, January 14, to pay a heartfelt tribute to Yeison Jiménez, one of Colombian “música popular's” biggest stars. The community was still reeling from the sudden loss of Jiménez, who tragically died on Saturday in a plane crash in Paipa, Boyacá, after the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude. The accident also claimed the lives of five other individuals, including Jefferson Osorio, the artist’s manager; Oscar Marín, his personal assistant; and Weismann Mora, a photographer.

To accommodate the vast number of mourners, entrance to the Movistar Arena was divided into two sessions: the first from noon to 4 p.m. and the second from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission was free, with entry allowed until the venue reached full capacity in both time slots. Organizers specifically requested that attendees refrain from bringing candles, food, or drinks. Fans demonstrated their profound devotion, with many arriving as early as Tuesday night, forming long queues outside the venue by Wednesday morning.

The emotional farewell saw many stars of the genre taking the stage. Little Thaliana, Jiménez’s daughter, made an early appearance, carried through the arena to greet her father’s fans, a gesture that resonated deeply with the audience. Pipe Bueno was the first prominent artist to perform, visibly moved as he sang “Tengo Ganas,” a collaborative song with Jiménez. Before concluding, Bueno, now based in Mexico City, shared a poignant reflection: “Sometimes in our rush, we forget that we’re already rich, very rich, but in things that aren’t material.”

Alzate followed, performing “Sin Decir Adiós” and “Mi Venganza,” the latter a duet with Jiménez. Highlighting their close friendship and professional collaboration, Alzate, who contributed to hits like “Hasta La Madre,” expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for singing my lyrics; you made me great too.” Jessi Uribe and Paola Jara then performed Jiménez’s “Ya No Mi Amor,” setting the stage for the deeply moving arrival of Jiménez’s mother, Lucy, and young Thaliana. Lucy dedicated Kany García’s “Confieso” to her late son, promising, “Whether it’s a lot or a little, I don’t know, but I’ll always be here to take care of your children, your wife, and those who might be weaker than you. As long as God gives me life and health.”

The leading female trio of Colombian popular music—Francy, Arelys Henao, and Paola Jara—also paid their respects. Francy performed her song “El Adiós,” while Henao delivered an emotional rendition of “Nadie Es Eterno” by Darío Gómez, an icon with whom Jiménez had collaborated on Pipe Bueno’s “Guaro Remix.” Sebastián Ayala, another artist in the “Colombian regional” genre, captivated the audience with “Qué Tonto Soy,” a song originally recorded as a duet with Jiménez. Ayala revealed plans for another collaboration with Jiménez in 2026, underscoring the artist’s lasting impact.

John Alex Castaño performed “Amanecí Contento,” recalling his first meeting with Jiménez, who visited him wearing shorts and carrying a notebook full of writings. The duo Pasabordo, Jhonatan and Gabo, who collaborated with Jiménez on “Hasta La Madre,” performed the song and also highlighted their songwriting contributions to other regional artists, including Jiménez’s “La Llamada.” As the first session concluded, Ciro Quiñonez took the stage to perform the remix of “El Embustero,” a song with a touching origin story involving its writer, a young empanada vendor named Yeison Majé, and a subsequent collaboration with Jiménez and Luis Alfonso. Quiñonez also joined Alfonso, Uribe, and Bueno to perform his hit “Regalada Sales Cara,” one of the genre’s most popular remixes, and Jessi Uribe’s “Dulce Pecado.”

For the thousands of fans weeping inside and outside the arena, many following on social media, the night culminated with Luis Alfonso performing “Destino Final.” Alfonso delivered a candid and bold farewell to his friend, stating, “Even though his body is gone today, his legacy, his music, and his spirit will always be with us […] It’s no secret that we’re not mourning saints today; we’re mourning crazy, entrepreneurial, joyful people.” Jhonny Rivera sang “Siga Bebiendo,” his collaboration with Jiménez, followed by his son Andy Rivera, who performed “Borracho Te Busco,” another collaboration. Many musicians then joined forces for “El Mejor (Remix),” a song Jiménez recorded over a year ago with Mexican singer Chayín Rubio. An emotional exclamation from the stage, “Sing it loud; this is Yeison Jiménez’s fourth sold-out show at the Movistar Arena,” referenced the artist’s three sold-out shows at the venue in late 2024, cementing his enduring legacy.