Renowned Latin artist Daddy Yankee revealed his decision to "follow Christ" during his farewell concert at the weekend.
The mastermind behind hits like "Gasolina" and "Despacito" concluded the event in Puerto Rico with a personal revelation: "I am not ashamed to tell the whole world that Jesus lives in me and that I will live for him."
Raymond Ayala, the 46-year-old artist, who is widely known as Daddy Yankee, attributed his retirement to his new found faith in Christ. In a poignant address to concertgoers, he emphasised the significance of the day, announcing that "all the tools that I have in my possession—like music, social networks, platforms, a microphone, everything that Jesus gave me—is now for the Kingdom".
Despite his worldwide success and awards, Ayala said he felt empty.
"For a long time I tried to fill a void in my life that no one could fill. Sometimes I appeared to be very happy, but something was missing to make me complete," he said, "and I have to confess that those days are over.
"Someone was able to fill that void that I felt for a long time. I was able to realise that for everyone I was someone, but I was nothing without him," Daddy Yankee continued.
"Now anyone who knows me as Daddy Yankee should say, 'Daddy Yankee in Christ, Raymond Ayala in Puerto Rico.' A story is over and a new story is going to begin, a new beginning," he added.
Urging his audience to embark on this new journey with him, Daddy Yankee imparted a crucial message: "Do not follow any man. I am a human. All the people who followed me: Follow Jesus Christ, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
Daddy Yankee had previously made reference to his Christian faith in interviews and in public appearances, but his Sunday night speech was the most explicit declaration in his almost 30-year music career.
Exiting the stage, Daddy Yankee left the crowd with a powerful proclamation: "Christ loves you, and Christ is coming."
Reactions to his announcement have been mixed, with some users on social media welcoming him "to the kingdom of God". In contrast, others showed more scepticism, questioning whether he would ever renounce the royalties and rights to his "sinful songs".