The life and legacy of merengue icon Rubby Pérez have taken on a new, poignant dimension following his tragic passing on April 8, 2024. The most recent and compelling news centers around his eldest daughter, Zulinka Pérez, who was with him at the moment of the fatal accident, a devastating roof collapse at the Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This article, updated for December 18, 2025, delves into the lives of Rubby Pérez's most public children, focusing on Zulinka's shocking survival, her ongoing musical career, and the family's efforts to preserve the "Voice of Merengue’s" vibrant musical heritage.
The sudden death of the beloved "Voice of Merengue" has placed his family, particularly his daughters, under the international spotlight. Zulinka, a professional musician and integral part of her father's orchestra for years, has become the face of his enduring musical spirit, navigating personal grief while simultaneously managing the public's intense curiosity and the complex aftermath of the tragedy.
Zulinka Yadhira Pérez: Biography and The Night of the Tragedy
Zulinka Pérez is the most publicly known of the seven children fathered by Rubby Pérez. Her life has been deeply intertwined with the world of music, an inheritance passed directly from her legendary father.
- Full Name: Zulinka Yadhira Pérez
- Role: Corista (Backup Vocalist) and Performer in Rubby Pérez's Orchestra.
- Age: Approximately 41 years old (as of the most recent reports).
- Marital Status: Married.
- Husband: Miguel Báez, a fellow musician and colleague who also performed in her father's band.
- Career: She spent approximately 15 years performing alongside her father, traveling the world and contributing to the unmistakable sound of his merengue orchestra.
- Key Event: Survivor of the Jet Set Club roof collapse on April 8, 2024, which tragically claimed her father's life.
The Shocking Near-Miss at the Jet Set Club
The night of April 8, 2024, remains the defining moment of recent family history. Rubby Pérez was performing at the famed Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo when the unthinkable occurred: the roof of the venue suddenly collapsed. Zulinka Pérez was on stage with her father at the time, performing as a corista.
In a truly heroic and heartbreaking twist of fate, Zulinka's husband, Miguel Báez, who was also on stage, acted instantly. He reportedly shielded Zulinka from the falling debris, an act that is credited with saving her life. Zulinka was trapped momentarily and had to be assisted by emergency services due to the shock and emotional trauma of the event, but she emerged physically unharmed. Her father, Rubby Pérez, tragically did not survive the collapse, with his body being recovered from the rubble.
Zulinka later recounted the terrifying moments, stating that the collapse was not a minor incident but a massive structural failure. Her powerful testimony and grief-stricken interviews brought global attention to the tragedy and the profound loss felt by the merengue community.
The Two Sides of Rubby Pérez's Family: Zulinka and Ana
Rubby Pérez was known to have a large family, with a total of seven children from various relationships. While Zulinka represents the musical and professional side of his legacy, his youngest daughter, Ana, offers a glimpse into his later personal life.
Ana Brenda Pérez: The Youngest Daughter
The second daughter who has received public attention is Ana, sometimes referred to in reports as Ana Brenda or Ana Beatriz. She is the daughter of Rubby Pérez and designer Michelle Reynoso.
Ana recently celebrated her 15th birthday, a traditional milestone that brought her into the public eye, even before the tragedy. Zulinka Pérez has publicly shared her affection for her younger half-sister, stating that she "loves" Ana and expressing a desire for the family to remain united, demonstrating a commitment to their father's wider family unit.
Navigating Controversy and Preserving a Merengue Legacy
The aftermath of a public tragedy often brings forth complex issues, and the Pérez family was no exception. Zulinka Pérez found herself at the center of a minor controversy following the collapse.
The Financial Compensation Controversy
Following the accident, the owner of the Jet Set Club reportedly provided a significant financial gift of one million pesos to Zulinka Pérez. This gesture sparked public debate and scrutiny. Zulinka, however, was quick to issue a public statement to clarify the situation. She emphasized that the money was not a personal settlement for her father's death, but rather compensation distributed to her as a member of the orchestra for the losses and damages incurred by the band members during the collapse. This clarification aimed to separate the tragedy's legal and emotional aspects from the band's professional compensation.
The Future: The Rubby Pérez Musical Tribute
The most important current news regarding the family is their commitment to honoring Rubby Pérez's monumental contribution to merengue. Zulinka Pérez, along with her husband Miguel Báez, has confirmed her active participation in the planned tribute concerts and events dedicated to her father.
This commitment is a powerful symbol of continuity. By taking the stage, Zulinka is not just attending a memorial; she is stepping into her father's powerful legacy. The musical tribute is not only a celebration of a career that spanned decades and produced hits like "El Africano" and "Volveré," but also a confirmation that the "Voice of Merengue" will continue to be heard through the next generation of the Pérez family. Her involvement ensures that the authentic sound and spirit of Rubby Pérez’s orchestra will live on for fans across the Dominican Republic and the world.
Key Entities and Topical Authority
The story of Rubby Pérez and his daughter Zulinka is a nexus of several key cultural and geographical entities, providing deep topical authority:
- Musical Genre: Merengue (Dominican Merengue, Tropical Music).
- Key Figures: Rubby Pérez (The Voice of Merengue), Zulinka Yadhira Pérez, Miguel Báez, Ana Brenda Pérez, Michelle Reynoso, Inés Lizardo (Rubby's wife).
- Geographical Locations: Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), Jet Set Club (Venue of the tragedy).
- Events: Jet Set Club Roof Collapse (April 8, 2024), Rubby Pérez Tribute Concerts.
- Professional Roles: Corista, Musician, Orchestra Member, Designer.
Zulinka Pérez’s story is a compelling narrative of survival, family loyalty, and the heavy responsibility of carrying forward the torch of a musical legend. As she and her family navigate their grief, their public dedication to her father's music ensures that the vibrant rhythms of Rubby Pérez will forever remain a cornerstone of Latin music history.
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