Puerto Rican rapper, singer-songwriter, and actor Daddy Yankee recently announced that he is retiring from his music career to dedicate his life to Jesus.

The artist, best known for his chart-topping Latin pop songs ‘Despacito’ and ‘Gasolina,’ made the announcement on Dec. 3 at a concert in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Family: This day, for me, is the most important day in my life,” said Daddy Yankee in a post on social media. “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.”

On stage, the 46-year-old singer, whose real name is Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, said in Spanish, “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.”

He continued, telling fans that he is not ashamed to let the whole world know that Jesus lives in him and that he will live for Jesus.

“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.”

The show ended with a light show that included a cross and the message “Cristo viene,” which means “Christ will come.”

Fans have since flooded his social media, congratulating him and welcoming him into the family of Christ.

“You have a beautiful mission for so many young people and the not-so-many who grew up listening to your music. There’s a party in the sky!!” said one fan.  

“The best decision ever!!!!  God use you for His Glory, and you can impact the lives of many… the true legacy!!!” said another.

Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez released his first album in April 1995. He now has hopes to use his platform to evangelize.

Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en CHVN.

Journalist Colleen Houde is a news writer and on-air host at CHVN in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.