Ziad Rahbani, one of the most influential Lebanese composers, playwrights and cultural voices, died at the age of 69. The hospital in Beirut, where he was treated, confirmed that he died of a heart attack on Saturday 26 July.
The eldest son of the legendary Lebanese singer Firuza and renowned musician Assi Rahbani, Ziad was a creative force whose works were transformed by the Lebanese music and theater landscape, especially during the Civil War era, Khaleei Times reported.
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Ziad Rahbani Death: Honors pour on the music revolutionary
Lebanese Minister of Culture In his statement, Ghassan Salame revealed that Rahbani has recently begun medical treatment for his worsening health. In his message on X (formerly Twitter), Salame expressed deep sadness over his death and wrote, “We were afraid this day … Ziad no longer had the ability to imagine the treatment and operations that would require.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed him as a “defiant voice against injustice” and “real mirror for the oppressed”.
Fans across Lebanon and the Arab world also mourned over its passage with the X user, which Rahbani transformed Lebanese culture, formed its thinking, politics and humor. Another called him “light during difficult times”.
Rahbani’s death meant the end of the era, but his music and words will continue to resonate for generations.
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Who was Ziad Rahbani?
Ziad was born on January 1, 1956 in Antelias, Lebanon and was immersed in music from a young age. According to Khaleei Times, with encouragement from his father Assi Rahbani, Ziad began to compose music when he was teenage. At the age of 17, Sa’alouni El Nass (“people asked me”) for his mother Fayrouz: A song that has since become a classic across the Arab world.
Rahbani’s talent, however, exceeded far beyond the composition. His debut game Sahriyyeh (evening gathering) meant the beginning of his fertile career in the theater. Through his works as Nazl al-Zourour, Bem Inno and a long American film boldly addressed Lebanese political and social struggles with biting joke and satire.
Rahbani’s symphony was distinguished by intervention and scary criticism. With this grinding of classical, jazz and oriental mixing, a stir was introduced into the Lebanon art scene. Theater pieces and songs he wrote for marginalized, speak of frustrations, hopes and comical views of everyday people.
Frequent
Q: Who was Ziad Rahbani?
Answer: Ziad Rahbani was a Lebanese composer, playwright and political satirist known for his innovative contributions to music and theater. He was the son of legendary artists Fair and Assi Rahbani.
Q: How did Ziad Rahbani die?
Answer: He died of a heart attack on July 26 in Beirut at the age of 69. In previous weeks he reportedly rejected further medical treatment.
Q: What are some of his most famous works?
Answer: His remarkable works include Sa’alouni El Nass, Kifak Inta and Bala Wala Shi, as well as games like Sahriyyeh, Nazl al-Sour and Bem Inno.
Q: What was his impact on Lebanese culture?
A: Ziad Rahbani played a key role in the modernization of Lebanese music and theater. His sharp political commentary and a unique mixture of musical styles made him a beloved cultural figure in the Arab world.
Q: Who are his parents?
Answer: His mother is Fayrouz, the legendary Lebanese singer, and his father was Assi Rahbani, half of the iconic brothers Rahbani.
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