The vallenato community and Colombia’s cultural scene were put on alert after it emerged in recent hours that renowned Colombian accordionist Juancho de la Espriella, a native of Sincelejo (Sucre department), was hospitalized in Bogota due to acute abdominal pain.
The situation involving De la Espriella, 53, became known after several colleagues and close associates shared messages of support and encouragement on social media, rallying behind this prominent figure of contemporary vallenato. Carlos Bloom, a former manager and personal friend of the musician, wrote on X: “I ask GOD for the speedy recovery of my compadre @JDeLaEspriella. Stay strong, Juancho—every battle you overcome will be a new melody in your story!”
Juancho de la Espriella’s wife confirms the news
Later, in an effort to avoid speculation, Dolly Caliz — De la Espriella’s wife and manager — confirmed the hospitalization to the media. The accordionist has accompanied well-known vallenato artists such as Silvestre Dangond and Diomedes Díaz.
Caliz explained that her husband was admitted to Clínica Reina Sofía due to severe pain caused by kidney stones. At the medical center, specialists determined that a procedure was necessary to relieve the discomfort and remove the solid masses.
“He is doing well, he is stable. He simply experienced some pain… but thank God he is now awaiting his recovery after the procedure,” Caliz said, seeking to reassure fans.
According to El Heraldo, De la Espriella underwent lithotripsy—a procedure that breaks down kidney stones so the body can expel them without surgery. “The artist came out of the procedure well. However, he will need to stay away from the stage for at least a week while he recovers,” the Barranquilla-based newspaper reported.
His press office also addressed his health status, stating in a release that he is in “good spirits” and strictly following medical recommendations. “We are grateful for the messages of support and concern expressed by colleagues, media outlets, and fans. Any updates on his condition will be communicated through official channels,” the statement added.
Fans concerned about scheduled shows
De la Espriella’s hospitalization — and the length of his recovery — has also raised concerns among fans, as he is currently promoting a highly anticipated concert alongside Silvestre Dangond, his former musical partner. The performance is scheduled for May 15 at El Campin Stadium in Bogotá.
However, the accordionist’s team has not indicated any potential changes to the event schedule. In Colombia’s capital, De la Espriella and Dangond have consistently sold out venues as part of their tour. They are also expected to perform at the 59th edition of the Vallenato Legend Festival.
Across all these stages, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of De la Espriella — a talented musician who began his career in the early 1990s alongside singer Miguel Cabrera, when he was just 18 years old. Over the years, he has earned the admiration of tens of thousands of vallenato lovers, who are now hoping and praying for his swift recovery.