Artistas y personalidades colombianas reaccionan a la muerte de Willie Colón: enviaron mensajes a la leyenda de la salsa

The salsa community is in mourning. Willie Colón, one of the most influential artists in the genre, passed away on the morning of February 21st at the age of 75 after being hospitalized in New York.

The family of the trombonist and singer confirmed the news through an official statement shared on social media, which read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and renowned musician, Willie Colón. He departed in peace this morning, surrounded by his loving family.”

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The specific causes of his passing have yet to be released, although earlier reports indicated that Colón had faced respiratory issues and had been receiving medical attention at a healthcare facility in New York.

Following the confirmation of the death of the singer of Oh, ¿qué será?, multiple Colombian personalities took to social media with heartfelt messages highlighting his contributions to the Latin music industry and beyond.

One of the first to respond was Grupo Niche. The salsa orchestra shared a post on their Instagram account praising Colón as a key figure in salsa culture.

“Today we bid farewell with deep sorrow to Willie Colón, trombonist, composer, producer, and absolute reference of our culture. His songs marked generations, stories became anthems, and his artistic force transformed salsa forever. We stand with his family, friends, and followers during this painful time. May they find solace in the immense legacy he leaves and the certainty that his music will live on in every corner where a clave is played. Thank you for so much, maestro. Your music is eternal,” reads Grupo Niche’s statement.

Another tribute to the salsa legend came from former Grupo Niche vocalist Willy García, who also recognized Willie as “a pillar of the genre” in his message: “Today is one of those days that marks you. The ‘Malo del Bronx,’ maestro Willie Colón, has left us, a pillar of the genre. Talking about his contributions would take too long to list all the successes.” It hurts to see the great ones go; it’s very sad. 😔 Safe travels, maestro Willie Colón.”

In the political arena, several representatives have expressed their condolences over Willie Colón’s death, emphasizing his role in representing Latin roots globally.

Medellín’s mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, wrote on his X account: “I lament the passing of maestro Willie Colón, a salsa legend who marked generations with his music and talent. His legacy will forever live on in every song. A heartfelt hug to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.”

Presidential candidate Paloma Valencia also shared a message on her official X account, highlighting Willie Colón’s presence in politics.

“I deeply mourn the passing of Willie Colón, a giant of salsa who, with his trombone and voice, revolutionized Latin music, uniting hearts in Colombia and the world. His artistic legacy is eternal, but so is his tireless fight for democracy, denouncing dictatorships like that of Maduro in Venezuela,” wrote the candidate.

Former president Iván Duque also commented on X: “We have lost one of the great exponents of salsa, Willie Colón. He marked an era and left a mark on countless generations with his talent and passion for music. The artistic world is in mourning. To his family, friends, and millions of followers, my deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”

Former senator Gustavo Bolívar also took the opportunity to express his admiration for the musician’s legacy, noting their differing political ideals. “Since childhood, I loved salsa and naturally its greatest representatives like Willy Colón. As I journeyed through life, I encountered injustices, corruption, and immense inequality, which led me to adopt liberal and progressive ideas. Others, like Willie, aligned with right-wing ideologies.”

Bolívar also shared that Willie Colón had blocked him on X: “Just to say that one day, one of my musical idols blocked me for having different views. His ideas leaned heavily to the right, but that didn’t matter to me. I loved his music, not his worldview. May he rest in peace, incredible artist, even though he hasn’t unblocked me.”

Comedian and writer Dany Hoyos, known for his character Suso, also mourned the singer’s passing and shared a picture he took with the musician.

“I am so saddened. The greatest arranger of salsa, the most creative, who made everyone shine. His songs are the soundtrack of my life. His subjects were so distinct, yet with his unique stamp. I’m crying because for salsa lovers, it feels like half of our history has left us. Willie Colón, a 16-year-old who reinvented music. Maestro, may you have a joyful journey to that place where you will not be a stranger. Say hi to Héctor, Celia, Cheito… everyone,” Hoyos wrote.

Carlos Vives took to Instagram to send a heartfelt farewell message to the trombonist. “From my oldest children to my youngest, passing through us, a mixture of sadness and gratitude. Another great one is leaving, but he remains in his music. Rest in peace, dear Willie.”