International superstar Daddy Yankee has announced his retirement from secular music to dedicate his life to a newfound faith in Jesus. The “King of Reggaeton” shared his decision as his farewell tour, “La Meta,” concluded in Puerto Rico on Monday night.
At 46, Daddy Yankee has been a trailblazer in reggaeton, catapulting the genre to global prominence with hits like “Gasolina” in 2004 and “Despacito” with Luis Fonsi in 2017. However, he confessed to his fans at the final show that his journey to fame did not equate to a life of purpose.
“My people, this day for me is the most important day of my life,” he said. “And I want to share it with you because living a life of success is not the same as living a life with purpose.”
He shared that despite his career accomplishments, a part of him had felt unfulfilled for a long time.
“I have to confess that those days are over,” he said. “Someone was able to fill that emptiness. That is why tonight, I recognize, and I am not ashamed to tell the whole world that Jesus lives in me and that I will live for Him.”
Daddy Yankee announced his retirement from music was the start of “a new beginning” as Ramón Ayala, his birth name.
“All the tools that I have in my possession such as music, social networks, platforms, a microphone — everything that Jesus gave me — is now for His kingdom,” he said. “Thank you very much, Puerto Rico, and I hope that you walk with me in this new beginning.
“To all the people who followed me, follow Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life,” he added. “Just like Jesus, with His mercy, allowed me to travel the world, in Your mercy, Father, I hope You allow me to evangelize the world from Puerto Rico. Amen.”
After the show, dozens of drones shined outside the stadium for a light show, depicting a cross and the message “Cristo viene” (“Christ will come”).
