LOS ANGELES (KABC)– Daddy Yankee announced he is dedicating his life to Jesus Christ during his final concert of his farewell tour, La Meta, in Puerto Rico this weekend.
In a long speech published on his Instagram pageThe 46-year-old reggaeton singer said a part of him felt empty and had long been trying to fill a void in his life that no one could fill.
“I have to admit that those days are over. Someone has been able to fill that void,” he said. “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.”
In his message, Daddy Yankee, who will now go by his birth name Ramón Ayala, cited a verse from the Bible in Spanish.
“I was able to travel the world for years, winning many awards, applause and praise, but I realized something that the Bible says: ‘what good is it for a man to gain the whole world if he loses his soul ?'”
“A story is over and a new story will begin, a new beginning,” the Puerto Rican singer continued, sometimes holding back tears. “All the tools I have, like music, social media, platforms, a microphone, everything Jesus gave me, are now for his kingdom.”
Daddy Yankee performs during his “La Ultima Vuelta (The Last Round)” farewell tour at Allstate Arena on September 4, 2022, in Rosemont, Illinois (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP)
“To all those who followed me, follow Jesus Christ, he is the way, the truth and the life,” he added before dozens of drones present in the concert hall lit up the sky with the message “Jesus loves you”.
Other artists like Luis Fonsi, who collaborated with Daddy Yankee on the hit song “Despacito,” praised him for his decision.
“I owe you a lot bro, a lot! Enjoy this well deserved break, we will continue to enjoy and celebrate your music ALWAYS,” said Fonsi onformerly Twitter.
And although some fans were skeptical, most responded positively to the singer’s message.
“If I loved you before, now I love you even more,” said one supporter.
“My favorite singer, the best of all, how awesome,” said another.
“Now I admire you more! If before you were an example to many, now you will be the true example!” said a third.
Daddy Yankee now joins a list of other artists who have left the stage to pursue a life dedicated to the Christian faith.
