Musician Daddy Yankee Steps Out of Retirement with God-Focused Songs

Published: August 22, 2025

By Gavin Boyle

Latino musician Daddy Yankee announced he will return to music this year after retiring from the industry in 2023 to devote his life to Christ.

“This isn’t about a comeback. It’s about connection,” Yankee, who is now going by DY, said in July after releasing his first song since coming out of retirement. “Life’s not perfect, but we have to smile through it. This song was born from what we live everyday – it’s my way of telling people not to give up, to appreciate the little things, and never let anyone take their joy away.”

The song title “Sonríele,” which means “smile [at life]”, encourages listeners to turn to the Lord and rely on Him when they face trials. Some of the lyrics translated to English include “Give thanks to the One above for blessing you with another day,” and “I walk with the Nazarene.”

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The return to music comes as a surprise as DY officially retired from the industry in 2023 after completing a worldwide farewell tour. At the end of his final concert, he explained that his career had given him the opportunity to gain the world, but along the way, he learned the importance of remaining rooted in Christ.

“I tried finding a purpose. On many occasions, it seemed as if I was happy, but something was missing for me to feel complete,” he said. “I have to confess that those days are over and someone was able to fill that void that I felt for a long time. I realized that for everyone, I was someone, but I was no one without Him.”

“Throughout the years, I was able to travel the world, win many awards, applaud and praise, but I realized something that’s in the Bible: ‘For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul?’” the singer noted, quoting Mark 8:38.

During the speech, he also said he would be using the resources his platform provided him with to spread the Gospel. Now it seems that he is furthering the kingdom through music rooted in the faith. While the singer was never shy about his belief in God, his music did not promote the kingdom. His most famous songs, “Despacito” and “Gasolina,” both promote a promiscuous lifestyle and seduction. “Sonríele,” meanwhile, is clearly rooted in the faith and gives his fans something positive to sing along to.

As he return to music a year and a half after his retirement, it is encouraging to see that DY keeps his faith first and still plans to use his platform to further the kingdom of God.

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