From the studios of eRadio Global in Brooks, Alberta, today, April 9, 2025, we join in mourning that shakes the world of merengue and the Latin community. The news hits us like a drum out of rhythm: Rubby Pérez, the Dominican icon known as "the loudest voice of merengue," tragically passed away on April 8 after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed while he was performing a concert. With him went at least 113 souls, but his music, his passion, and his legacy remain etched in our hearts forever. At eRadio Global, where his songs resonated so many times in our programming, today we say: Rest in peace, maestro!
A life dedicated to merengue
Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera, born on March 8, 1956, in Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic, dreamed of being a baseball player. A car accident that injured his left leg changed his destiny, but not his spirit. At the National Conservatory of Music in Santo Domingo, he found his true passion: music. His unique voice led him to shine with Wilfrido Vargas's orchestra in the 80s, where hits like "Volveré" and "El Africano" made him an unforgettable name. In 1987, as a solo artist, he gifted us romantic anthems like "Enamorado de Ella," "Buscando Tus Besos," and "Sobreviviré," which marked generations.
Rubby not only conquered stages; he conquered souls. He won Casandra awards, gold and platinum records in Venezuela, and brought Dominican merengue to Billboard, with hits like "Tú Vas a Volar" (No. 9 on Tropical Airplay, 2001). From Brooks, Alberta, his music reached our station, uniting the Latin community in Canada with memories of love, dance, and nostalgia.
A goodbye that breaks our soul
On the night of April 8th, Rubby was in his element: singing at Jet Set, an iconic club in Santo Domingo. At 12:44 a.m., the roof collapsed, trapping him under debris along with hundreds of fans. His daughter, Zulinka Pérez, recounted that he sang among the wreckage so that he could be found, a final act of bravery and love for his art. Although he was rescued alive and taken to Plaza de la Salud hospital, he did not survive. Along with him, his saxophonist, former MLB players like Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and Governor Nelsy Cruz also perished. The pain is immense, but his voice continues to resonate.
At eRadio Global, we remember the times when Rubby filled our airwaves with his energy. Songs like "Dame Veneno" and "Tonto Corazón" were the soundtrack to so many romances, from couples dancing in Calgary to families gathering in Brooks. Who didn't fall in love with his merengue? Today, that nostalgia is mixed with tears.
A tribute from Brooks, Alberta
From our studios, eRadio Global honors Rubby Pérez with a musical special this week. Tune in to listen to his greatest hits, narrated by our host Nelson Vahos. We want his legacy to live on in every chord, in every dance step. We invite our audience to share on social media how Rubby touched their lives with #RubbyPérezERadio. Because, as Wilfrido Vargas said, "he was the best singer the genre has ever given."
Rest in peace, eternal voice
To Rubby, thank you for making us dance, dream, and love. To his fans, to his family, to the Dominican Republic: our embrace from Brooks. Merengue is in mourning, but your songs will always lift us up. Rest in peace, Rubby Pérez, and may your voice continue to be the loudest, now from the heavens.
Un tributo inolvidable desde Colombia: DJ Leonardo Sabogal honra a Rubby Pérez
En eRadioGlobal, no solo lloramos la partida de Rubby Pérez, sino que celebramos su vida con música que nunca morirá. Por eso, nuestro querido DJ Leonardo Sabogal, desde el corazón de Bogota Colombia, ha creado un video musical especial que reúne los mayores éxitos del maestro del merengue. Este homenaje, lleno de ritmo y emoción, captura la esencia de canciones como "Enamorado de Ella", "Volveré" y "Buscando Tus Besos", invitándonos a bailar y recordar a Rubby en cada nota.
Mira el video a continuación y déjate llevar por el legado de la voz más alta del merengue. Comparte este tributo en redes con #RubbyPérezERadio y cuéntanos cómo la música de Rubby tocó tu vida.