Despacito singer Daddy Yankee retiring from music to devote his life to Jesus

Six years after taking the world by storm by featuring on 'Despacito', Daddy Yankee has announced he's retiring from music.

The Puerto Rican rapper, whose real name is Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, has spent years dropping bangers, bringing us the likes of 'Gasolina' and 'Limbo' on top of his global hit, 'Despacito'.

He's recently been entertaining fans on his La Meta (The Goal) tour, but as he closed out his last show in Puerto Rico on Sunday (December 3) Yankee hit the crowd with his announcement.

“My people, this day for me is the most important day of my life," he told the crowd in Spanish.

"And I want to share it with you because living a life of success is not the same as living a life with purpose."

Yankee revealed that he'd felt unfulfilled for a long time, even when being praised by fans across the globe.

He continued: "I have to confess that those days are over. Someone was able to fill that emptiness."

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Yankee then went on to cite a Bible verse, asking: “What good will it be for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"

“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,” the singer told the crowd.

Yankee then declared that he planned to embark on a 'new beginning', living under his birth name as Ramón Ayala.

“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.

"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.”

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Though Yankee has previously made reference to his Christian faith in interviews, news of his retirement from music left many fans surprised.

"I did not have daddy yankee giving up reggaeton for Jesus on my 2023 bingo card…," one X user wrote after hearing the news.

The singer also shared his announcement on Instagram, writing: "Family: This day for me, is the most important day in my life.. tonight I recognize and am not ashamed to tell the whole world that Christ lives in me and that I will live for him.

"This is the end of one chapter and the beginning of a brand new one."

After Yankee's show came to an end, dozens of drones outside the arena moved into the shape of a cross and depicted the words 'Cristo viene' ('Christ will come').