&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Ziad Rahbani, celebrated musician and cultural voice of Lebanon, dies at 69")
Renowned Lebanese composer, playwright, pianist, and political satirist Ziad Rahbani passed away on Saturday at the age of 69. The news of his death was confirmed by a close friend, although the exact cause has not yet been disclosed, according to the National News Agency. Rahbani, widely celebrated for songs like Kifak Inta and Bala Wala Shi, was mourned across Lebanon. President Joseph Aoun paid tribute, calling him "a living conscience, a rebellious voice against injustice, and an honest mirror reflecting the suffering and marginalised."
A musical legacy rooted in heritage
Born in 1956, Ziad Rahbani was the eldest son of legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz and acclaimed composer Assi Rahbani. He began his musical journey at a young age, composing for his mother while still in his teens. Over the decades, he created a unique musical style that fused traditional Arabic melodies with elements of jazz, funk, and classical music, helping shape modern Lebanese music.
He once said in an interview, “I admire the music of composers like Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, and Dizzy Gillespie. But my music is not Western, it’s Lebanese with a different way of expression.”
Ziad Rahbani's work and political commentary
Rahbani’s creative voice extended beyond music. His theatrical works were sharp commentaries on Lebanese politics, especially during and after the civil war. His breakout play, Nazl el-Sourour (Happiness Hotel), debuted in 1974 when he was just 17. It captured the frustration of a society torn by class disparity and political repression.
Trending Stories
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the S-400 uses solid rocket fuel instead of liquid fuel
)
Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
)
Revealed! The hidden ritual Marc Cucurella performed before Spain won the FIFA World Cup
)
Mumbai court gives life sentences to 44 Somali pirates despite mercy plea
)
US-Iran conflicts: Houthis announce maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, Iran attacks MQ-9 drone hangar | Gravitas
)
‘Iran can survive sanctions, but can’t truly live’: Dy FM warns of economic cost of war
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
‘Netanyahu will not be arrested in any way, shape, or form in US’: Trump’s counter to Mamdani
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
'Could be bombed at any moment': What Iran's Araghchi told Trump envoy Witkoff during negotiations
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
)
Trump to impose 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, escalating North America trade dispute
)
Maha CM Wife Amruta Fadnavis' Yoga Day appearance sparks social media debate over attire | Watch
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
US-Iran war: Report suggests US lost 42 aircraft, including fighter jets, reaper drones
)
JD and Usha Vance welcome fourth child: Who serves as acting US vice president during Vance's paternity leave?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Spain World Cup victory parade in Madrid: Champions celebrate second FIFA World Cup title with over million fans
)
Heavy sanctions loom over Argentine players after ugly brawl following final whistle in World Cup final
)
As Russia pounds Ukraine, Kyiv grapples with a growing manpower shortage in the military | Gravitas
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
Tulsi Gabbard's brother Batarti accused of luring children to hotel room in Hawaii
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
He also acted in several plays, beginning with Al Mahatta, and was a prolific writer of satirical radio shows that mocked the sectarian divide in Lebanon. In 2003, he ventured into cinema with the film Kite.
Ziad Rahbani leaves behind a profound legacy of artistic rebellion, cultural fusion, and political boldness. He is survived by his mother, Fairuz, sister Reema, and brother Hali.
(With agency inputs)
