Ziad Rahbani, Lebanese Icon of Music and Theatre, Dies at 69

Photo: AFP

Dubai – July 26, 2025 —

The Arab world is mourning the loss of one of its boldest and most influential cultural voices. Ziad Rahbani, the legendary Lebanese composer, playwright, musician, and political commentator, died on Saturday at the age of 69, according to multiple local media reports. He was not just an artist—he was a revolution wrapped in melody, humor, and critique.

Ziad Rahbani was a man who used music, theater, and words to reflect the struggles of his country, especially Lebanon. His work stood out because it bravely questioned injustice, political hypocrisy, war, and social issues in ways very few artists dared to. Let’s dive deep into the extraordinary life and career of Ziad Rahbani.

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Born into Music Royalty

Ziad was born on January 1, 1956, in a family already known for its musical brilliance. His mother was none other than Fairouz, one of the most famous and beloved singers in the Arab world. His father, Assi Rahbani, was a well-respected composer and one-half of the legendary Rahbani Brothers duo who transformed Arabic music during the mid-20th century.

While many children live in the shadows of famous parents, Ziad Rahbani was different. From a young age, he showed that he had his own unique voice. He wasn't interested in copying others—he wanted to create something new and meaningful.

A Child Prodigy Turned Cultural Giant

Ziad began playing the piano as a young boy and quickly developed an ear for mixing musical styles. By the time he was a teenager, he was already writing songs for his mother Fairouz. These songs introduced a more personal, deep, and sometimes even sorrowful tone to her work, showing a side of her that listeners hadn’t heard before.

But Ziad wasn’t just a composer. He was also a playwright, actor, satirist, and journalist. His talent crossed many forms of expression. What made his work so different was how he used art to talk about politics, war, poverty, and corruption—not just with sadness, but with sharp humor and clever sarcasm.

The Man Who Brought Truth to the Stage

Some of Ziad Rahbani’s most famous works were his theatrical plays, which people still watch and talk about today. These plays weren’t ordinary entertainment. They were bold statements against war, dishonest politicians, and the confusing realities of Lebanese life.

Here are some of his most iconic plays:

• “Bennesbeh La Bukra Chou?” (As for Tomorrow, What?) – This play captured the hopelessness of youth and the frustrations of living in a broken society.

• “Film Ameriki Taweel” (A Long American Film) – A creative and emotional story that mixed fantasy with reality.

• “Shi Fashel” (Something Failed) – A piece that used comedy to highlight Lebanon’s failure to address its problems.

Through these plays, Ziad gave people a way to see their own lives and troubles on stage. He also gave them laughter in hard times, even when the topics were serious.

Jazz, Arabic Music, and Powerful Words

One of Ziad’s most remarkable abilities was blending Western jazz with traditional Arabic music. This was very new at the time. He didn’t just play jazz for fun—he used it as a way to bring cultures together and to express feelings that words alone couldn’t.

In his music and theater, Ziad also used simple everyday language. He spoke like the people, not like elites or poets. This made his work feel real and close to the hearts of ordinary citizens.

A Political Firebrand and Voice of the People

Ziad Rahbani was never afraid to speak his mind. In fact, he was known for mocking political leaders, both in Lebanon and across the Arab world. He supported leftist ideas and wasn’t afraid to criticize the government, big political parties, or even religious groups when he felt they were hurting the people.

He also spoke openly about the Palestinian cause, standing against injustice in the region. These bold opinions made him a hero to many, but also controversial. Some people didn’t agree with him, but no one could ignore him.

Ziad used his fame not just for art, but for activism. He believed artists should speak truth, not just entertain.

Later Years and Public Silence

In the last few years of his life, Ziad Rahbani stepped away from the public spotlight. He no longer released as much new work or appeared in public performances. Still, his older music and plays continued to inspire. His fans included not just people from Lebanon, but across the Arab world—from Egypt to Syria, from Palestine to the Gulf.

Even in silence, his voice echoed through the songs and speeches of younger musicians, playwrights, and political thinkers who saw him as a role model.

A Legacy That Will Never Die

When news of his death broke on Saturday, July 26, tributes poured in from artists, journalists, writers, and political figures. People shared their favorite songs, lines from his plays, and memories of how his words helped them see life more clearly.

Ziad Rahbani leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in awards or albums alone. He showed that art can be beautiful and brave at the same time. He believed that songs could carry sadness and hope. He proved that theater could make people laugh and cry—and also make them think.

Ziad Rahbani wasn’t just Lebanon’s artist. He was its mirror—reflecting its beauty, pain, confusion, and strength. Through melodies, jokes, and heartfelt scripts, he touched millions. He will be remembered as someone who spoke when others were silent, who created when others copied, and who dared to dream of a better tomorrow.

As Lebanon and the Arab world say goodbye to this genius, his music will continue to play, and his words will continue to live in the hearts of those who believe that art has the power to change the world.

Rest in peace, Ziad Rahbani. The stage will never forget your light.