SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO.- “Jesus lives in me” with this message Daddy Yankeeone of the greatest representatives of reggaeton in the world, said goodbye to the music and life that brought him fame and recognition on the planet to dedicate himself to spreading the message of God.
Raymon Ayala, the real name of the Puerto Rican, grew up in the Villa Kennedy Housing Projects neighborhood with the dream of becoming a baseball player, but his plans did not coincide with God's, because the “little boy” was killed by a stray bullet from an airplane hit rifle Ak-47, which made it impossible for him to realize his desire to reach the big leagues.
At this point, Yankee was making music, albeit as a hobby, but recovery from the bullet lodged in his hip took more than a year and a half, enough time to fully concentrate on his musical career.
Reggaeton artists who converted to Christianity
It was with the floppy disk Sandpiper 34from producer Dj Playero, whom Yankee played for the first time and from that moment until December 2023, the reggaeton player conquered the whole world with his music, put the urban genre on the radar, filled entire stadiums and changed the lives of many people.
An empty room
The money, fame and power that Daddy Yankee gained during his 30+ year music career were not enough to fill the void he always felt.
In March 2022, Yankee surprised his followers with this announcement He retired from music So he started a world tour to say goodbye to all his fans and finally enjoy everything they had given him in all his years.
It is not yet known when the “Big Boss” found his way to God and began his journey. Conversion completes Christianity.
Well, although he never denied the existence of God, it was surprising that on December 3rd, during one of his farewell concerts at the Colosseum in Puerto Rico, he announced that from now on his career and life would be 100 percent focused on the Lord .
Daddy Yankee's emotional letter to his wife Mireddys
“My people, this day is the most important day of my life. And I want to share it with you because a life of success is not the same as a life of meaning,” he said at the beginning.
“For a long time I tried to fill a gap in my life that no one could fill. I tried to fill my life and find meaning in it. At times I seemed very happy, but something was missing to complete me. And I have to admit that those days are over,” he said.
At that moment he realized that this void was filled thanks to his encounter with God.
“Tonight I recognize and am not ashamed to tell the whole world that Jesus lives in me and that I will live for him,” he said, suppressing a lump in his throat.
Therefore, he declared that from now on his life would have a new beginning to begin a new story.
Fight with Don Omar
Yankee always kept his personal life away from scandals and controversies. In fact, one of the most famous issues in the “Big Boss” career was the controversial fight he fought with fellow reggaeton star Don Omar.
The fight lasted for several years, they never appeared on stage again, but after the announcement of Yankee's conversion to Christianity, the famous singers surprised by announcing that they had forgiven each other and that all the controversies of that time were already behind them. always.
“We are an example that although there are differences, there will always be room for forgiveness,” said Raymon Ayala.
“I hope our final turn is against the enemy of souls, fighting together in the army of the Lord! I will wait for you on this site! God bless you, your family and all your loyal followers,” he wrote in his post.
On his part Don Omar He was also grateful that the chapter of their controversial rivalry was coming to an end.
“I remain with the beautiful memories, the laughter, the shared dreams and the wish for one last round with such a great opponent. We will see each other again soon because I owe you a hug and thank you personally,” he wrote in the publication.
Messages of faith
Since announcing his conversion, Yankee has not stopped sharing messages of faith on his social networks, fulfilling the promise that all of his content will be focused on sharing the Gospel of God.
“If you are reading this, it is because you have life, and when there is life, there is hope to move forward. Always remember to have the discipline to love yourself. “God is in control,” the reggaeton singer said alongside a postcard showing him training.
Likewise, he urges his followers to maintain daily communion with God and also share psalms from the Bible.
One of the first to admire and applaud Yankee's conversion to Christianity was his former colleague in the urban genre, Hector “El Father”, who asked for prayers so that he could continue on God's path.
“I will never forget that you were the first to tell me about the gospel of Jesus. I only ask God to give you strength and wisdom to do all the precious things God has for you and your family. “Never forget what I told you a few years ago, Raymond: you are one of the last steps of God before he seeks his Church, because Christ is coming now,” the former reggaeton player said in his release.
In fact, Yankee has already left secular music behind and started with positive music and praise of God.
“Live today, not tomorrow, let’s celebrate how beautiful life is,” he wrote after releasing his song “Bonita,” which had more than three million views in just over a month.
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With experience in media since 2013. He joined El Heraldo's digital team in 2016. He served as community manager until 2019. He is currently a journalist for the entertainment and trends section. Degree in Journalism from UNAH. ICFJ Fellow.