Lebanon woke up to heartbreaking news on July 26, 2025. Ziad Rahbani, one of the country’s most influential cultural figures, has passed away in Beirut at the age of 69. His departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt by generations who grew up listening to his music, quoting his plays, and admiring his courage to speak truth to power.
The Genius Behind the Curtain
Born in Antelias, Lebanon, in 1956, Ziad Rahbani was the son of two musical legends: Fairouz, the voice of Lebanon, and Assi Rahbani, one half of the Rahbani Brothers duo that shaped Arabic music throughout the 20th century. From the very beginning, Ziad was destined for artistic greatness — but he never relied solely on his family name. Instead, he carved out his own, often controversial, legacy as a composer, playwright, pianist, satirist, and social commentator.
Most Notable Works
Ziad’s musical and theatrical works blended jazz, classical Arabic, and Western influences, often laced with sharp political and social critique. Some of his most iconic plays include:
- Sahriyyeh (1973) – his first play, written when he was only 17.
- Bennesbeh La Bokra Chou? (1978) – a cult classic portraying post-civil war disillusionment.
- Film Ameriki Tawil (1980) – a biting critique of Lebanese societal contradictions.
- Shi Fashil (1983) – mixing humor and tragedy in a uniquely Ziad way.
In music, his compositions for Fairouz stand among the most beloved in modern Arabic music, including:
- El Bosta
- Kifak Inta
- Habaytak Ta Nseet El Noum
Ziad’s jazz-infused solo works, such as “Bi Ma Enno” and “Abou Ali”, broke the mold of Arabic pop, challenging musical norms and thrilling fans across the Arab world.
A Complicated Yet Tender Bond with Fairouz
Despite political and personal differences that were sometimes played out in the public eye, Ziad always maintained a profound artistic connection with his mother, Fairouz. Their collaborations resulted in timeless songs that became part of Lebanon’s collective memory. For many, Ziad was not just Fairouz’s son, but the artist who redefined her musical style in the late 1970s and 1980s, giving her voice a new edge that resonated with younger generations.
Personal Life & Politics
Ziad was famously outspoken, politically aligned with leftist ideologies and fiercely critical of sectarianism, corruption, and the hypocrisy he saw in Lebanese society. He remained deeply connected to Beirut, often seen in Hamra cafés, scribbling notes or engaged in fiery discussions. His life was marked by moments of solitude, brilliance, and contradiction — traits that only deepened his mystique.
Despite moments of withdrawal from public life, Ziad never stopped creating, never stopped thinking, and never stopped provoking. Whether through a sarcastic radio interview or a surprise appearance at a jazz concert, he always had something to say — and people always listened.
Legacy That Lives On
Ziad Rahbani was not just an artist. He was a mirror, held up to a society struggling to find its way. His work gave voice to the unheard, mocked the powerful, and offered comfort to the broken. In a country that has long wavered between chaos and resilience, Ziad was a constant — raw, real, and unapologetically Lebanese.
As Lebanon mourns this giant of culture, we remember his words, his music, and the unforgettable laughter and tears he brought into our lives.
Rest in peace, Ziad. Your voice will echo through the alleyways of Beirut for generations to come.
