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Walter León, Composer of ‘Colegiala’ and Peruvian Cumbia Mainstay, Dies

APDAYC confirmed his passing as tributes highlighted how “Colegiala” carried Peruvian cumbia to global audiences.

Overview

  • APDAYC announced on social media that Walter León died on Sunday, November 16, 2025, and outlets did not report a cause of death.
  • León wrote “Colegiala” in 1975, and the song amassed more than 5,000 registered versions worldwide.
  • The track gained early prominence in Colombia through Rodolfo Aicardi and later reached European listeners after a Nescafé ad campaign, with notable exposure in France.
  • León led Walter León y Los Ilusionistas and authored staples such as “Las limeñas” (known in Colombia as “Las caleñas”), “El ambulante,” “Flor de un día,” and “Provinciana.”
  • His catalog saw a revival when Johnny Orosco and the group Néctar popularized songs including “Baile de la cumbia,” “Es tu problema,” “Muchachita,” and “El arbolito.”