New Jersey – September 13, 2025 – The Haitian music community bid farewell to one of its cherished voices, Gary Didier Perez, 59, whose passing on August 28, 2025, left a profound void in the world of Haitian music. Perez, a singer whose career embodied passion, resilience, and artistry, died peacefully at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton. His funeral, held in New Jersey, became both a celebration of his extraordinary journey and a moment of reckoning for the industry he helped shape.
A Wake and Mass in His Honor
The ceremonies began on Friday evening, September 12, 2025, when family, close friends, and admirers gathered at the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Home for a wake. The atmosphere was one of reverence and sorrow, but also filled with the warmth of shared memories. Those present spoke of Perez not only as an artist but as a brother, father, and friend whose humility matched his immense talent.
On Saturday morning, September 13, the Perez family, along with loved ones and supporters, came together at Saint Anthony Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass. The solemn ceremony honored the man behind the music, bringing together his family, including his son, Nih Alessandro Didier Perez, who traveled from Canada, his brother, Newton Turenne, and his cousin Dolie, alongside relatives who celebrated his life with prayers, tributes, and songs of remembrance.
Music as His Final Tribute
Although attendance from the wider Haitian music industry was limited, the few musicians who did attend ensured that Perez’s music carried him to his final rest. At the cemetery, his colleagues broke into renditions of his most vibrant songs, including “Fidel” and “Amba Late,” transforming grief into a bittersweet celebration. The mourners sang, danced, and remembered the man whose voice had once moved thousands.
Among the musicians present were Jean Brutus Derissaint, Clinton Benoit, Sexy Frantzy, and Dely François. Notably absent were members of several bands with which Perez had long been associated, including Zenglen, NU Look, Disip, and Mizik Mizik. Apart from Brutus, none of Perez’s former Zenglen bandmates attended, a fact that left many fans and colleagues disheartened. Neither Arly Larivière of NU Look nor Gazman Couleur of Disip, both of whom once performed with Perez, was in attendance. The absence of Mizik Mizik, the group where Perez helped deliver their first hit as a vocalist, was especially striking.
Industry Criticism and Questions of Legacy
The sparse turnout of Haitian Music Industry, also known as the “HMI” musicians, sparked frustration within the Haitian music community. Promoter Zagalo and the famous D’zine singer Dely Francois, who attended the funeral, were seen in a video widely shared online expressing deep disappointment. He criticized what he called the “hypocrisy” of the industry, noting that while Perez had been celebrated for his contributions, few seemed to stand by him in his final moments.
Also present was radio host and former Haitian congressman Caleb Desrameaux of Tabarre. However, his role at the service remains uncertain, as reports suggest he is currently part of Haiti’s government.
These absences and criticisms added a layer of controversy to what was otherwise a dignified farewell. Online discussions following Perez’s passing highlighted what many described as the Haitian music industry’s failure to support him in times of need. Family members and colleagues confirmed that only a handful of musicians, including Clinton Benoit and Jean Brutus Derissaint, had actively tried to assist Perez during his final months.
A Life Celebrated at Repast
Following the burial, mourners gathered for a repast at Spigola Restaurant & Bar in New Jersey. There, in a more relaxed setting, friends and family shared stories, toasted Perez’s life, and reflected on the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
Perez’s career spanned decades, during which he carved out a name as one of the most distinctive voices of the Haitian music scene. Known for his lyrical depth and powerful stage presence, he inspired countless musicians and touched audiences far beyond Haiti’s borders. His songs, marked by soul and conviction, remain etched in the hearts of fans who will remember him as an artist who gave everything to his craft.
A Final Note
For many, the funeral of Gary Didier Perez revealed both the beauty of his legacy and the complexities of the community to which he belonged. While some lamented the absence of industry figures, others found solace in the love and loyalty of those who were there. His family and closest friends ensured that his final moments were filled with dignity, song, and remembrance.
As his music echoed through the cemetery on that September morning, it was clear that though Perez is gone, his voice and his spirit will live on. His journey was one of talent, resilience, and inspiration — and his memory will continue to shape the Haitian music landscape for generations to come.
May Gary Didier Perez rest in peace.
