In a surprising and heartfelt revelation, Daddy Yankee, the trailblazing figure often hailed as the King of Reggaeton, has announced his retirement from the music scene to dedicate his life to Jesus Christ. The 46-year-old artist, renowned for his 2017 hit “Despacito,” shared this transformative decision in a video posted on Instagram, marking the end of an era in his illustrious career.
During the final concert of his farewell tour in his native Puerto Rico over the weekend, Daddy Yankee, now choosing to go by his birth name Ramón Ayala, spoke passionately about his newfound faith. “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,” he declared, signaling a profound shift in his life’s purpose.
The “Gasolina” singer opened up about a longstanding emptiness and the quest to fill a void, ultimately leading him to embrace his spiritual journey. Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee’s collaborator on the chart-topping “Despacito” and a friend, expressed gratitude and well wishes on social media, acknowledging the impact of Daddy Yankee’s contribution to the music industry.
“I owe you a lot bro, a lot! Enjoy this well-deserved break, we will continue to enjoy and celebrate your music ALWAYS,” Fonsi shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Daddy Yankee’s legacy is etched in music history, with “Despacito” spending an impressive 16 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving a diamond certification from the RIAA. The artist, with five Latin Grammys and seven Billboard Music Awards to his name, released his debut album, “No Mercy,” in 1995 and bid farewell to his music career with his seventh and final album, “Legendaddy,” last year.
In the caption of his Instagram video, Ayala expressed, “This is the end of a chapter and the beginning of a completely new one,” signifying not just the conclusion of a musical era but the commencement of a profoundly spiritual journey for the reggaeton icon.