Vallenato Legend Omar Geles Passes Away at 57
Omar Geles, the esteemed Colombian composer, singer, and accordionist, known for his hit 'The Paths of Life,' has died at the age of 57. The music world is mourning the loss of this iconic figure who died at the Erasmo Clinic in Valledupar, Colombia, after suffering heart complications during a tennis match. Despite the immediate efforts of the medical team, resuscitation was not possible.
Geles had a significant impact on the vallenato genre, beginning his musical career in 1985 with Miguel Morales, forming the widely celebrated group 'Los Diablitos.' Throughout his career, he composed over 900 songs, becoming a pivotal figure in vallenato music. Geles’ songs were immortalized by various artists like Silvestre Dangond, Jorge Celedón, and Diomedes Díaz.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from friends, fellow musicians, and fans. Carlos Vives described Geles as a 'fraternal artist' and expressed deep sorrow over his sudden departure, reminiscing about their time together both in music and television series about vallenato artists. Similarly, tropical music singer Fanny Lu and New York merengue singer Elvis Crespo also paid homage to Geles, highlighting his immense contribution to music.
Omar Geles’ legacy extends beyond his compositions. He was a talented actor, a dedicated music producer, and a mentor to many. Adriana Lucía, a singer and composer, fondly recalled Geles as her first producer and one of the most influential figures in her career.
In honor of Geles, the Department of Cesar has declared a day of mourning. His body was transferred to the Rafael Carrillo Luque Departmental Library in Valledupar, where it will lie in repose for two days, allowing the community to pay their respects. On social media, fans and friends continue to share memories and express their condolences, ensuring that Geles’ legacy will live on through his music.
- Born in February 1967, Omar Geles moved to Valledupar at a young age and quickly immersed himself in the local music scene. He was crowned 'King Vallenato' in 1989, a testament to his prowess with the accordion and his deep understanding of vallenato music.
- Geles' song 'The Paths of Life' remains one of his most beloved works, having been covered numerous times by artists across Latin America. The song reflects on the hardships of life and pays tribute to Geles' mother, illustrating the personal nature of many of his compositions.
- In 2004, after parting ways with Morales, Geles rebranded the group as 'La Gente de Omar Geles,' continuing to produce music and perform up until his last concert on May 18, 2024, in Bogotá alongside Silvestre Dangond.
