Sebastián Yatra

Biography

Sebastián Yatra, born Sebastián Obando Giraldo on October 15, 1994, in Medellín, Colombia, has rapidly risen to become one of the most prominent and beloved figures in Latin music. Known for his captivating voice, heartfelt romantic lyrics, and seamless blend of pop, urban, and ballad genres, Yatra has garnered immense international success and captivated millions worldwide.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Yatra's early life saw him move from Medellín to Miami, Florida, at the age of five. This bicultural upbringing exposed him to both Colombian and American musical influences. He discovered his passion for music at a young age, starting with piano and guitar lessons and honing his vocal technique. A pivotal moment in his decision to pursue music seriously came at age twelve when he landed the role of Troy Bolton in his school's production of High School Musical. Despite being an avid soccer player, music eventually took precedence, though he continues to enjoy soccer as a hobby.

Career Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom

Yatra officially began his musical journey in 2013 with the release of his debut single, "El Psicólogo." While it gained traction in Colombia and parts of Latin America, it was the 2016 reggaeton-infused hit "Traicionera" that truly propelled him into the spotlight. "Traicionera" became a global sensation, landing on Spotify's Global Top 50 Chart and earning him multiple certifications.

This success set the stage for his debut studio album, Mantra, released in 2018. The album topped charts in Colombia and the Billboard Latin Pop Albums chart in the U.S. It featured popular tracks like "Robarte un Beso" (with Carlos Vives) and "Sutra" (with Dalmata).

In 2019, Yatra followed up with his sophomore album, Fantasia, which continued to showcase his versatility and yielded hits like "Un Año" (with Reik) and "Cristina." His ability to collaborate across genres and with diverse artists has been a hallmark of his career, working with names such as Daddy Yankee, Natti Natasha, the Jonas Brothers ("Runaway"), and John Legend.

Beyond Music: Acting and Philanthropy

Yatra's talent extends beyond music. He has ventured into acting, appearing in television series like "La Reina Del Flow" and taking on a protagonist role in the Netflix musical series "Érase una vez...pero ya no" (Once Upon a Time... Happily Never After). He also lent his voice to animated films such as "Smallfoot" (Pie Pequeño) and "Klaus." In 2022, he gained global recognition for his performance of the Oscar-nominated song "Dos Oruguitas" from Disney's "Encanto" at the 94th Academy Awards.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Sebastián Yatra is also actively involved in philanthropy. In 2024, he partnered with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to sponsor the "Prodigy Scholarship," demonstrating his commitment to supporting musical education.

Artistic Style and Impact

Sebastián Yatra is celebrated for his ability to seamlessly fuse romantic ballads with contemporary Latin pop and reggaeton sounds. His lyrics often explore themes of love and emotion, while his vocal delivery can shift effortlessly between tender crooning and energetic swagger. He has successfully brought romantic ballads back to the mainstream for a younger audience, defying the perception that the genre is "boring or old."

With billions of streams across platforms, numerous awards and nominations (including Latin Grammy Awards and Grammy nominations), and a powerful global touring presence, Sebastián Yatra continues to be a driving force in shaping the landscape of Latin music and a true cultural icon.