‘The virus is real and it’s dangerous’: J Balvin reveals he is recovering from Covid-19

J Balvin is set to perform at Abu Dhabi Showdown Week. AP

Colombian pop sensation J Balvin, one of the most streamed artists in the world, has revealed that he has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently in recovery.

The musician opened up about his illness while accepting the prize for best video at the Premios Juventud awards. Speaking from his native Medellín, Colombia, via video, in Spanish, he revealed that he is just starting to recovery after some "very difficult days".

As reported by Billboard magazine, he said: "At this moment, I'm just getting better from Covid-19. These have been very difficult days, very complicated. Sometimes we won't think that we'll get it but I got it and I got it bad. My message to those that follow me, young fans and people in general, is to take care."

Balvin also shared a video on Instagram, where he has 43.3 million followers, discussing his illness. He is one of the most high-profile celebrities to have contracted the virus and is encouraging his fans to take it seriously. “This isn’t a joke. The virus is real and it’s dangerous,” he said.

An awards show for Spanish-speaking celebrities in the areas of film, music, sports, fashion and pop culture, Premios Juventud this year aired live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, using technology to create a safe environment for the few talents that appeared on-site. The audience was completely virtual.

This year’s event paid tribute to a number of frontline heroes in the fight against Covid-19, including volunteers at food banks and health professionals.