Throughout the years, a wave of Latin music artists have embraced their religious beliefs and stamped them on their music — such as Juan Luis Guerra, Yuri and Ricardo Montaner. Artists in the reggaetón and Latin hip-hop worlds have recently been following suit.
The latest artist to publicly open up about his faith is Daddy Yankee, who during his farewell concert in Puerto Rico talked about “a new chapter beginning.”
“For many years I’ve tried filling a void in my life that no one could fill,” the global Latin urban star told the packed Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot. “I tried finding a purpose — on many occasions it seemed as if I was happy, but something was missing for me to feel complete. I have to confess that those days are over, and someone was able to fill that void that I felt for a lot of time. I realized that for everyone I was someone, but I was no one without him.”
The artist born Raymon Ayala, known for spearheading the reggaetón movement with his 2004 breakthrough hit “Gasolina,” proudly expressed that God lives in him and he will live for God.
Early last year, Farruko also used his platform and preached the word of God during his Miami pit stop of his La 167 Tour, and did not perform his dance hit “Pepas” — which scored the artist his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 2021.
“I believed my own lie because my song was No. 1 — I didn’t know the message I was sending,” he said of the song that means “pill” in English, and narrates the story of someone who only wants to party all night long. “I’m not proud of that. Who knows how many of your kids I hurt? Now I ask you forgiveness, because love starts from within. Value life, because we do not know if we are going to save ourselves.”
In addition to Yankee and Farru, many other Latin urban stars have either opted to retire from the industry to follow their religious path, or have released music detailing their spiritual connections. Below, see some of the artists, in alphabetical order, who have embraced their faith.
Almighty
In 2022, the Cuban-born, Puerto Rican-raised rapper released Genelipsis, his first full-fledged Christian album (the title blends the words Genesis and Apocalypse), with 32 tracks that have hard-hitting messaging devoted to God, and feature collaborations with Christian artists Alex Zurdo and Redimi2, to name a few. In 2019, he announced that he would stop making “the devil’s music” and devote himself to God. He now uses his Instagram account, where he boasts nearly five million followers, to preach.
During his farewell concert in Puerto Rico on Dec. 4, part of four back-to-back shows called “La Meta” (the goal), Yankee told fans that a new chapter was about to begin in his career and personal life. “All the tools that I have in my power, like music, social media, platforms, a microphone, everything that God has given me is now for his kingdom,” he noted. “I hope you walk with me in this new beginning and I hope you remember something very important: Don’t follow any person. I am human. To all the people who follow me, follow Jesus Christ — he’s the way, the truth and the life.”
Don Omar
Don Omar is behind several big Billboard Latin Songs hits, including the chart-topping bangers “Dutty Love,” “Taboo” and “Danza Kuduro.” In 2021, the artist born William Omar Landrón Rivera released “Agradecido” (Grateful), a downtempo hip-hop track where he counts his blessings and elaborates on his connection with God. Over the groove, he pens an ultra-personal and sincere track about being grateful for being alive, for his family, for his fans and even for being at peace with colleagues who were once his competition.
The Panamanian former artist, known for the jams “Muevelo, Muevelo” and “Rica y Apretadita,” is one of the pioneers of reggae plena, and often credited as one of the inspirations behind the reggaetón genre. After a nearly 20-year trajectory, El General announced his retirement from the music industry and became a Jehova’s Witness in 2004.
Farruko
During a concert in Miami last year, the artist born Carlos Efrén Reyes Rosado preached the word of God to the audience multiple times. “God loves you just the way you are,” he told the packed venue. “We’re all sinners, none of us are perfect.” Farruko expressed that even though he had all the money and success in the world, he would feel empty and cry at night. At the 2022 Premio Lo Nuestro, where he received the Urban Excellence special award, the artist assured audiences that he’s not retiring: “I’m not saying goodbye, I’m just making a transition in my life — and you’re going to meet the best Farruko.” He’s since released new music with catchy beats and feel-good, inspirational lyrics.
After a 16-year trajectory, Hector “El Father” Delgado — of famed reggaetón duo Hector y Tito — left the act and joined the Missionary Pentecostal Christian Church in Puerto Rico in 2008. With the duo, he scored various Billboard hits including the 2003 set La Historia Live, which peaked at No. 4 on Top Latin Albums. As a solo act, he has released two studio albums. He currently preaches in his homeland and continues to release Christian music, as heard on his 2021 LP La Hora Cero, and on 2023 single “El Dios Que Cambia Nombre,” in collaboration with Boy Wonder CF.
Lary Over signed a record deal with Carbon Fiber Music in 2020 (helmed by chart-topping artist Farruko and industry leader Franklin Martinez), and is best known for sultry party bangers such as “Solo” and “Subete.” But in 2021, the Salvadoran artist stopped making music and vanished from social media, which Farruko explained in an interview was due to Lary finding his religious path. Now, with more than five million followers on Instagram, Raymond Louis Guevara (his real name) posts videos where he’s seen preaching in church. His last video on YouTube is called “Dios Cambio Mi Vida,” where he explains his connection to God in a 40-minute video. Watch it here.
Tito El Bambino
During the heart of the Coronavirus outbreak in 2020, Tito El Bambino — who stamps his songs with “Dios Los Bendiga” — connected on Instagram Live with motivational speakers and pastors, such as Marcos Yaroide and Christian music singer Marcos Witt, to keep his followers’ faith alive during the challenging times. “Everything might be closed, but heaven is still open, and that is the most important thing,” Tito previously told Billboard.
Vico C
Latin rap pioneer Vico C (real name: Luis Armando Lozada) released the 10-track Christian rap album Aquel Que Habia Muerto in 1998, after struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. Though the Puerto Rican star, behind hits like “Me Acuerdo,” “5 de Septiembre” and “Desahogo,” has not entirely retired from the urban genre, he has been vocal about his beliefs in his music. Vico, who took part in the most recent Billboard Latin Music Week, released a comeback album titled Pánico early this year.
Voltio
Best known for the reggaetón classic “Chulin, Chulin, Chunfly,” and for landing collabs with Beyoncé, Jerry Rivera, and Tego Calderon, to name a few big-name artists, genre pioneer Voltio converted to Christianity in 2014. Defined as a “born-again” Christian, the Puerto Rican artist even co-hosted a Christian radio show with Hector “El Father” Delgado.
