The Puerto Rican artist Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, known worldwide as Daddy Yankee, was distinguished by the Senate of the Government of Puerto Rico with the recognition of cultural ambassador of the island, becoming the first exponent of reggaeton to receive a tribute of this nature from the legislative chamber. The event was held at the Senate headquarters, a space that more than two decades ago debated initiatives aimed at criminalizing the ‘underground’ movement, and which has now opened its doors to recognize the artistic career and social work of the person considered one of the pillars of the urban genre globally. Ayala Rodríguez occupied the seat corresponding to the Vice President of the Senate, Carmelo Ríos, located to the right of the Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, in a ceremony that brought together the artist’s family and prominent figures from the music and entertainment industry. Among those in attendance were Zuleyka Rivera, DJ Luian, Baby Rasta, Tito El Bambino, Bizarrap, Ángel “Cucco” Peña, Paco López, Alex Zurdo, Playero, among other exponents and producers who have been part of the history of the urban genre. During his speech, Daddy Yankee highlighted the importance of collective work and the legacy built with his colleagues since the beginning of the movement.
The artist also highlighted the generational impact of reggaeton and its international projection. “Today we are going to see our genre in the Super Bowl. We worked for that, so that those kids would be successful and move their families forward. Without a doubt, we are fulfilling that dream,” he added. The biographical sketch of Ayala was read by Zuleyka Rivera, sixth Miss Universe from Puerto Rico and protagonist of the video Despacito. Likewise, Rosa Rodríguez, the artist’s mother, spoke, recalling that her son’s musical talent manifested itself from an early age.“For me it is very important that this music, which we made from the foundation, not only had an impact in Puerto Rico, but that today we see how people from all over the world are making our music and how it continues to impact year after year. That is thanks to your work, my brothers,” he expressed.
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For his part, the President of the Senate, Thomas Rivera Schatz, exalted Daddy Yankee not only for his artistic success, but for what he defined as a legacy of values, discipline, and personal example. During his words, he made an indirect reference to other exponents of the genre.The ceremony featured the participation of the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Ángel ‘Cucco’ Peña, who performed the anthems of Puerto Rico and the United States, as well as symphonic versions of the songs Sonríele and the session BZRP Music Sessions #66, produced by Bizarrap. As part of the recognition, Daddy Yankee received an artistic piece from the creator “Williams Carmona” and it was announced that the “PR-36 highway”, which crosses the Santurce sector, will bear his name, as a permanent tribute to his cultural legacy.“There will be other venues, like the Super Bowl, that will recognize other people. But here, in Puerto Rico, we recognize Daddy Yankee, who, beyond filling stadiums and winning awards, has filled minds and hearts,” he stated.
