Ziad Rahbani Passes Away at 69

Ziad Rahbani Passes Away at 69

The Arab world has lost one of its most influential and daring artists as Ziad Rahbani, the celebrated Lebanese composer, playwright, and musician, passed away at the age of 69. His death marks the end of a groundbreaking artistic era that redefined the landscape of Arabic music and theater.

The son of legendary singer Fairuz and iconic composer Assi Rahbani, Ziad forged his own path early on, becoming a creative rebel with a distinctive voice who introduced a new dimension to Lebanese and Arab music with his provocative lyrics, political satire, and theatrical compositions.

 

Ziad Rahbani Passes Away at 69
Ziad Rahbani Passes Away at 69

 

Throughout his five-decade career, Ziad presented dozens of musical plays that served as sharp social and political commentaries, such as “Bennesbeh Labokra Shou?”, “Film Ameriki Taweel”, and “Nazl el-Sourour”. He also composed timeless songs for his mother, Fairuz, including hits like “Wala Keef” and “Mish Kayan Heik Tkoon”.

Ziad was not only an artist but also a cultural intellectual and political voice, known for his unapologetic leftist views and his deep connection to the struggles of the common people. His music was infused with irony, melancholy, and hope—capturing the soul of a region in turmoil.

News of his passing has triggered widespread mourning across the Arab world, with tributes pouring in from fellow artists, writers, and fans who hailed him as a revolutionary creative force whose influence transcends generations.

A funeral will be held in Beirut in the coming days, where crowds are expected to gather to bid farewell to the man who was more than Fairuz’s son—he was Ziad Rahbani: the composer, the thinker, the voice of conscience, and the master of modern Arab expression.