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Rubby Pérez has been hospitalized following the deadly roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, where he was performing early on Tuesday (April 8). The 69-year-old Dominican merengue singer — known for Billboard hits such as “Tu Vas a Volar,” “Enamorado de Ella” and “15,500 Noches” in collaboration with Romeo Santos, […]
The roof of the renowned Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed early Tuesday (April 8), killing dozens and injuring more than 100 attendees, according to local authorities. The deadly incident occurred during a Rubby Pérez live performance, where more than 300 people gathered to see the merengue singer perform.
Located in Santo Domingo’s National District, the beloved live music venue — a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike — was celebrating its 50th anniversary, according to its Instagram account. “Dominican discotheque in charge of making its audience dance for more than 50 years,” an official description reads.
Hours after the collapse, the nightclub posted its statement: “Last night a tragedy occurred that has deeply touched the hearts of all of us at Jet Set and all Dominicans. At this difficult time, our prayers are with each of the families affected. We share their pain as if it were our own, because we are also in mourning. We are collaborating fully and transparently with the competent authorities to help the victims and clarify what happened. The loss of human lives leaves us in a state of deep pain and consternation. We join the expressions of solidarity from all over the country in this unexpectedly painful situation.”
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According to Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager, who spoke to reporters at the scene, the roof collapsed about an hour after the show’s midnight start time. The singer was transferred to the Plaza de la Salud Hospital, according to medical director Nepomuceno Mejía. Pérez’s saxophone player was killed in the incident, according to Paulino. It’s not clear what caused the roof to collapse.
Below are fo ur things to know about the emblematic Jet Set nightclub.
Location
Right in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, the nightclub was located in the city’s National District, which hosts various nightlife activities, including chic discotheques, hotels and upscale restaurants and bars.
Who Has Performed There?
Powerhouses such as Los Hermanos Rosario, Sergio Vargas, Omega and Fernando Villalon, to name a few, had performed at the Jet Set. Notably, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico performed there for the first time in 2008, in celebration of the nightclub’s 35th anniversary. Mondays were particularly busy for the live music venue.
Cultural Significance
Billboard Español contributor Franchesca Guim, who is from the Dominican Republic but is currently based in Spain, shares the importance of Jet Set. “The Jet Set has been part of the nightlife culture and entertainment in Santo Domingo. I would dare to say that it is a place of reference in the Dominican Republic, where locals and tourists attend to enjoy live orchestras,” she explains. “Christmas and New Year’s parties have been memorable, and part of the Dominican tradition. Any week lends itself to go to the Jet Set, because there is always a good atmosphere and above all live orchestras and music. My mom remembers that Jet Set Mondays became a tradition. Every Monday there was a party with a live orchestra.”
Background
Owned by businessman Antonio Espaillat, the Jet Set Club had a capacity of 700 seated and 1,000 standing room only. According to local reports, it had been remodeled several times to update its dance floor, ambiance, lights and sound. It is reported that in 2015 it underwent its last remodeling. In 2023, a fire affected the facilities after lightning struck its power plant.
Tragedy struck in the Dominican Republic after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a concert, leaving nearly 30 dead and 120 injured in the early morning hours of Tuesday (April 8), according to multiple reports.
The club’s roof collapsed during a live performance of renowned merengue star Rubby Pérez, known for Billboard hits such as “Tu Vas a Volar,” “Enamorado de Ella,” and “15,500 Noches” in collaboration with Romeo Santos, Toño Rosario, Fernandito Villalona and Raman Orlando. The singer has been transferred to the Plaza de la Salud hospital, according to medical director Nepomuceno Mejia.
As news broke, Dominican and other Latin music stars have expressed their condolences and solidarity on social media.
“My prayers for everyone affected by this big tragedy that happened at the nightclub in Santo Domingo. Peace and much strength,” bachata sensation Prince Royce wrote on his Instagram stories.
In a collaborative Instagram post with her label and manager, Pina Records and Raphy Pina, Natti Natasha wrote: “My beloved land, the Dominican Republic. Today we all woke up with broken hearts. A tragedy that mourns our country and leaves a deep void in many families. We woke up with tears in our eyes, in silence, in prayer. May God give strength to every mother, father, child, and friend who today suffers the loss of a loved one.From the depths of my soul, I share your pain. I am with you. We are in mourning.”
“Praying for all those rescued and for the families of the more than 15 people who lost their lives! Rubby Pérez, maestro, with all my heart, praying for your safety,” merengue powerhouse Olga Tañon reacted on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Latin hitmaker Emilio Estefan Jr. shared on Instagram: “All united with the Dominican Republic in this moment of sorrow. We share the sadness of a great country that we love so much. Our prayers are with all the affected families. Emilio, Gloria, and the Estefan family.”
Dominican producer Maffio said on social media: “Wow, God, what sad news. May God put your hand on those affected and their families. What a tragedy, I’m speechless.”
Los Toros Band, helmed by vocalist Héctor Acosta and who has performed at the Jet Set club before, also shared its condolences via a statement on Instagram. “On behalf of our office and our team, we want to express our solidarity with all the Dominican people for the tragedy that occurred this morning at the nightclub in Santo Domingo,” the group wrote. “We send our condolences to the family of our colleague Rubby Pérez. May God help and give strength and comfort to the families of those affected.”
The AP reported that Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, spoke to journalists at the scene about the collapse that happened about an hour after the show’s midnight start, sharing that the vocalist’s saxophone player was killed in the incident.
It is not yet known what caused the Jet Set’s roof to collapse.
See some of the other artist reactions below:
Artists working with record labels in Latin America have a higher percentage of monthly listeners and generate more revenue on digital platforms than those who are self-released, according to a new report by Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) and the Latin American Independent Music Observatory (OLMI) on digital distribution in the region.
The report also shows that “the existence of local infrastructure (such as digital distributors) is related to higher levels of professionalization, income and knowledge of the digital value chain by artists, for example in relation to the types of existing contracts and the terms offered.”
Released on Tuesday (April 8), the study — which was conducted between 2023 and 2024 — analyzes the situation in eight countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Paraguay, and highlights how artists’ presence on digital platforms and affiliation with independent record labels positively influences their economic sustainability.
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“These results reinforce the notion that the structural and financial support that labels provide to artists is key to their success in the music ecosystem,” Noemí Planas, CEO of WIN, said in a press release. “Public and private investment to promote a professional music infrastructure in the region is key to ensure the growth of all players.”
One of the challenges the music industry faces in the region is the “heavy reliance on live performances,” the report states. That’s because “although more than 60% of artists generate income through streaming, less than 10% earn more than US$5,000 per year,” it notes. The report adds that “artists with more than 500 monthly listeners barely represent 30% [of artists]” — meaning a large majority may be affected by the recent royalty payment reforms introduced by the major streaming platforms that contemplate the demonetization of content below certain thresholds of streams and listeners.
The study found that almost a third (32.2%) of respondents market their music through distributors that have recently integrated — or are in the process of integrating — with majors, denoting a trend towards market consolidation.
“Consolidation in the music sphere is concerning because of its impact on the dissemination of Latin American independent music, especially in the digital market, where we see that there are fewer and fewer independent operators,” Planas adds. “The concentration of power, information and access channels in the hands of three large multinationals translates into worse conditions for independents, such as streaming models that demonetize their content and that they have no choice but to accept.”
The report highlights the importance of strengthening the relationship with record labels and investing in the education of key players. “[It] reaffirms the need to consolidate a professional, informed and collaborative ecosystem in Latin America,” Cristóbal Dañobeitia, director of OLMI, said in a statement. “The union between key players and investment in education, research and technology are essential to ensure equitable and sustainable growth.”
Titled “La Música Independiente en Latinoamérica: Cadena de Valor y Distribución Digital” (“Independent Music in Latin America: Value Chain and Digital Distribution”), the study was commissioned by WIN and developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts from OLMI, in collaboration with trade associations ABMI, IMICHILE and AMI PY, as well as AMPROFON, Sociedad Chilena de Autores e Intérpretes Musicales (SCD), Alianza Francesa Costa Rica and Universidad de los Andes.
To access the full report (in Spanish) click here.
Fifteen people have been confirmed dead and over 100 have been hospitalized early Tuesday when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub, a well-known venue in Santo Domingo, collapsed during a live performance.
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Authorities have launched extensive search and rescue efforts, with more than 100 individuals transported to hospitals across the city as emergency teams continue working to locate survivors beneath the rubble.
“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.
Among the injured is merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof collapsed, officials said.
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President Luis Abinader wrote on X that all rescue agencies are “working tirelessly” to help those affected.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” he wrote.
Abinader arrived at the scene and hugged those looking for friends and family, some with tears streaming down their faces. He did not speak to reporters.
An official with a megaphone stood outside the club imploring the large crowd that had gathered to search for friends and relatives to give ambulances space.
“You have to cooperate with authorities, please,” he said. “We are removing people.”
At one hospital where the injured were taken, an official stood outside reading aloud the names of survivors as a crowd gathered around her and yelled out the names of their loved ones.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse.
This is a developing story.
Natti Natasha, Ha*Ash and Belinda will be honored at the third annual Billboard Latin Women in Music event, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Tuesday (April 8). The artists join Olga Tañón, Chiquis and Anitta, who were previously announced as honorees for this year.
Hosted by Mexican star Ana Bárbara, the two-hour ceremony will air live exclusively on Telemundo on April 24 at 9 p.m. ET and will celebrate “groundbreaking women shaping the future of Latin music,” according to a press statement. The show will also stream on the Telemundo app, Universo and Peacock.
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Dominican hitmaker Natti Natasha will be honored with the Unstoppable Artist Award, a nod to her sustained influence in the music industry. Natti initially burst onto the Billboard charts when she earned her first No. 1 in 2012 as a featured artist on Don Omar’s hit “Dutty Love.” Since then, she has amassed 34 career entries on the overall Latin Airplay ranking, including 17 top 10 hits, 10 of which soared to No. 1.
On the album front, her debut studio project, Iluminatti, reached new heights in 2019, breaking into the top 10 on both the Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts, with a peak at No. 3. More recently, her LP Natti Natasha en Amargue, produced by Romeo Santos, earned her a top 10 debut on the Tropical Albums chart.
Sister-duo Ha*Ash, comprised of Hanna and Ashley, will receive the Unbreakable Award, celebrating the collaboration between Latin women artists who have made an indelible impact on the music industry. Honored for their resilience, innovation and empowerment, Ha*Ash made an impressive debut in 2004, scoring their first top 10 hit on Latin Pop Airplay with “Estés Donde Estés,” which peaked at No. 9.
Over the years, they have proven their staying power, accumulating a total of 16 entries on the chart, four of which reached the top 10. The sisters recently made a notable comeback with “El Cielo Te Mandó Para Mí,” a standout track from Haashville, which reached a No. 7 high on Latin Pop Airplay. Currently, the duo is on their Haashville Tour across the U.S. and Canada
Meanwhile, Belinda is set to be honored with the Evolution Award, a special honor that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional growth, transformation, and innovation throughout their artistic journey, and an enduring impact and commitment to evolving their vision and voice. Belinda’s self-titled debut album catapulted her into the spotlight in 2003, earning her a first top 10 entry on a Billboard chart as the set reached a high of No. 6 on the Latin Pop Albums tally.
Since then, she’s had three additional top 10 albums, including Catarsis, which peaked at No. 2 in 2013. Showcasing versatility, Belinda has most recently dabbled in regional Mexican music, specifically in corridos bélicos, collaborating with the likes of Natanael Cano, Tito Double P and Netón Vega.
As previously announced, Anitta will receive the Vanguard Award, Chiquis the Impact Award and Olga Tañón will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, with the remaining honors to be announced soon.
Shakira continues being unstoppable! The Colombian superstar announced on Monday (April 7) four additional dates for her historic Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour in Mexico, once again surpassing her own record with a total of 26 concerts in the Latin American country. The new cities hosting her shows are Tijuana, Hermosillo, Chihuahua, and Torreón, according to promoter OCESA.
“Due to the enormous demand and the cultural impact Shakira has in Mexico, four new dates have been added to the artist’s return in August. This second leg of her tour in the country will take her to new territories, reaching every corner to reconnect with her ‘pack’ and meet her fans where they are,” the promoter said in a press release.
Consequently, Shakira will bring her show to the northern part of the country, performing on August 11 at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, Baja California; on August 14 at Estadio Héroes de Nacozari in Hermosillo, Sonora; on August 17 at Estadio UACH in Chihuahua; and on August 20 at Estadio Corona in Torreón, Coahuila.
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After making history with seven consecutive sold-out shows at Estadio GNP Seguros, the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour will return to Mexico City for another four concerts at the stadium on August 26, 27, 29, and 30, for a total of 11. This will make Shakira the first artist to achieve such a number of dates at this major venue (formerly known as Foro Sol).
Shakira, who has been adding dates to the tour as tickets continue to sell out, now ties the record of seven dates at Estadio GNP Seguros with Grupo Firme, who are set to give their eighth show there on June 28.
The success of her monumental stadium trek has led the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer to top Billboard‘s Top Tours chart in February, when she kicked off the tour in Brazil, making her the first Latina solo artist to achieve this feat. Shakira’s tour has left an indelible mark across Latin America, gathering more than a million attendees, according to OCESA.
The Barranquilla-born artist was also named by Billboard as the No. 1 star among the Best 50 Female Latin Pop Artists of All Time last month.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on Monday (April 7) over the deaths of two photographers on Saturday (April 5) during the AXE Ceremonia music festival in Mexico City. The president said her government would review the license granted to the venue at Parque Bicentenario.
“We regret and send our solidarity to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference. “Beyond the fact that it was an accident, we need to look into how the equipment that fell was set up. An investigation needs to be carried out. There should be no impunity in this case.”
Photographers Miguel Ángel Rojas Hernández and Citlali Berenice Giles Rivera died over the weekend when a crane carrying a decorative metal object collapsed during the festival. The accident prompted city authorities to cancel the second day of the event on Sunday (April 6). The attorney general’s office of Mexico City announced the start of an investigation..
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Sheinbaum noted that the mayor’s office of Miguel Hidalgo, the borough where Parque Bicentenario is located, is responsible for authorizing such events, regardless of the federal ownership of the property. As a result, she instructed the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development (SEDATU) to review the venue’s license, assess the conditions under which it was granted, and determine whether it is feasible to revoke their license.
Earlier on Monday, the AXE Ceremonia festival released a statement on the fatal accident, extending its condolences to the victims’ loved ones. “From the very first moment, we have been by the families’ side, providing them with all the support and assistance we can,” it reads.
British band Massive Attack, who, along with rapper Tyler, the Creator, headlined the festival on Sunday, joined in expressing their condolences on social media over the deaths of the photographers. “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic and avoidable deaths of Berenice Giles and Miguel Hernández. Our thoughts are with their families and friends during this difficult time,” the band said in their Instagram Stories.
On Sunday (April 6), friends of the two victims, photographers, journalists, content creators, and members of the public held a protest outside Parque Bicentenario to honor them and demand that there be no impunity in the investigation.
“There wasn’t any clarity about what had happened until we left the event. It’s absolutely devastating,” Mexican artist Luisa Almaguer, who performed as part of Saturday’s lineup at AXE Ceremonia, told Billboard Español. “The show definitely should not have continued.”
On Monday, the funerals for Miguel Ángel Rojas and Berenice Giles were held in Mexico City, according to reports from the N+ Foro news channel.
Three months after dropping his prideful and tropical-leaning set DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Bad Bunny visited the NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., for his Tiny Desk debut.
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Surrounded by seven musicians — cuatros and congas in the mix — the Puerto Rican artist kicked off the nearly 35-minute set with his holiday-themed “Pitorro de Coco.” “I swear I didn’t know there were going to be so many people here … and even a few Puerto Ricans. The next song is so that — I don’t know how many people travel to Puerto Rico – I can take you there,” the artist said before performing a saucy plena version of his hard-hitting perreo “Voy A Llevarte Pa PR.”
Sipping coffee, vibing with the musicians and connecting with the intimate crowd, the artist born Benito Martínez Ocasio performed a bolero-version of “Kloufrens” before joking about the school desk he was sitting on. “I don’t know whose idea it was to give me this desk. It was mine, and I’m starting to regret it,” he laughed.
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He then performed the somber “Lo Que Le Paso A Hawaii,” telling the audience that he wrote this song after dreaming about it. “The song didn’t let me go back to sleep, so I wrote it completely and that’s when I fell asleep,” he shared. After the tune, he admitted to having rehearsed the song outside of the White House before the Tiny Desk concert.
“The next song is not a song, it’s not a movie, it’s true … I think my story comes from the same place that many of ours come from. We’re proud to bring our music and culture to the whole world,” he said before delivering the salsa-heavy “La Mudanza,” during which each of his musicians flaunted their vibrant solos.
After telling heartfelt and witty anecdotes, Bunny and his colleagues proudly chanted the song’s popular line “yo soy de P f–king R!” before an impromptu and quick grand finale of the album’s title track, “DTMF.”
The 17-track set, released on Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day) on Jan. 5, hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Currently, the album is in its 12th week at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart. Meanwhile, the title track, “DTMF,” is No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs and Latin Streaming Songs; and “Baile Inolvidable” tops the Tropical Airplay chart.
Watch his full Tiny Desk concert below:
Jennifer Lopez is hitting the road this year, making her first official stop in Spain. Jenny from the Block announced dates to her Up All Night Live in 2025 stint on Monday (April 7), teasing an electrifying show during which she’ll be performing some of the biggest hits of her career. “To all my international […]