Daddy Yankee says he's devoting himself to Christianity after retirement: 'Jesus lives in me'

As Daddy Yankee takes a bow from the music scene, he’s singing the praises of his higher power.

During his farewell concert Sunday at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, the reggaeton icon revealed he plans on devoting himself to his Christian faith following his retirement from the Latin genre. The show capped off Yankee’s touring career following his 2022 La Última Vuelta world tour.

"My people, this day for me is the most important day of my life. And I want to share it with you because living a life of success is not the same as living a life with purpose," said Yankee in Spanish, according to a clip of the concert shared on Instagram.

Despite the material wealth he accumulated with his success, the Puerto Rican rapper said his faith in Christ helped fill the “emptiness that I felt for a long time.”

“What good will it be for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Yankee said, citing a Bible verse. "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."

Yankee (real name: Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez) said he will use his resources as a public figure, such as his social media presence and the popularity of his music, to promote Christianity. He concluded his speech by encouraging fans to follow in his spiritual footsteps.

"To all the people who followed me, follow Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life," Yankee said. "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."

In 2004, Daddy Yankee released his international hit single "Gasolina," credited with introducing reggaeton to audiences worldwide, and making the music genre a global phenomenon. Since then, he has sold around 30 million records, making him one of the best-selling Latin music artists.

The “Despacito” emcee shocked fans in March 2022 when he announced his retirement in a video posted to his official website. Yankee also announced the release of his final album "Legendaddy," released that same month, and the La Última Vuelta tour, which ran from July to December 2022.

Reggaeton star Farruko preaches about Christian faith at concert

Daddy Yankee isn’t the only reggaetonero to turn away from secular music in favor of religion.

Puerto Rican rapper and singer Farruko, known for his party anthem “Pepas,” surprised fans during a Miami concert in February 2022 when he refused to sing the song in full, leaving out rousing choruses about taking drugs and partying, and apologizing for those lyrics. He spoke profusely about God throughout the concert and lit a cross in neon pink.

"Farruko had an encounter with God, the Father, who made him reach deep inside," he said in recorded footage of the concert, speaking of himself in third person. "I was inviting people to take a pill and act happy and live a crazy life. You know what? I am not proud of myself. God knows how many of your children I've harmed. Today I am here, standing like a man asking for you to forgive me."

Farruko told fans he realized he had all the money he wanted. He had success with a single peaking at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remixes released by David Guetta and Tiësto. He also said he had "destroyed" his family and was unable to see his kids as much as he wanted.

Yankee and Farruko are preceded by other reggaeton artists who left their careers for religion, such as El General, a Panamanian artist who is considered the pioneer of the genre, and Hector El Father, a Puerto Rican singer who is credited for paving the way for artists such as Yankee and Don Omar.

Daddy Yankee:Reggaeton superstar shocks fans by announcing retirement, farewell tour and album

'Artists are free to express':Reggaeton star Farruko roils fans by preaching about God

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY; Adriana Gomez Licon, The Associated Press