Lebanon prepares to bid its final farewell to musician, playwright and political satirist Ziad Rahbani on Monday at 4 pm at the Eglise de la Dormition in Mhaydse
News of his passing broke headlines and hearts early Saturday, as the son of the legendary Fairuz succumbed to illness.
Rahbani was born in Antelias, Lebanon, in 1956, as the firstborn son of legendary singer Fairuz (born Nouhad Haddad) and composer Assi Rahbani.
Growing up immersed in music and politics, his precocious talent emerged early, yielding his first poetry collection, “Sadiqi Allah,” (My Friend God) in the late 1960s, before it was published in 1971.
His public musical journey began in 1973, composing “Saalouny El Nas” (People ask me) for Fairuz’s play Al Mahata (The Station), a poignant contribution during his ailing father’s absence. That same year, he debuted his first musical play, Sahriye.
Rahbani quickly emerged as a singular voice in Lebanese theater and music, blending political critique with biting humor in works like Nazl El Sourour, Bennesbeh Labokra Chou, and An American Motion Picture. Produced during the Lebanese Civil War, these plays challenged the legacy of the Rahbani Brothers, distancing himself from his father and uncle’s romanticized vision of Lebanon.
In 1979, following his parents’ separation after a tour in France, Rahbani began shaping a new chapter in Fairuz’s career with the release of the album Wahdon. His distinctive fusion of jazz, classical Arabic, and popular Lebanese music would go on to define her later work, especially in albums like Maarifti Feek (1987) and Kifak Inta (1991).
Condolences poured in from across the nation. President Joseph Aoun extended his deepest sympathies, calling Rahbani’s death “a great loss,” and offering solace to “Ms. Fairouz, our ambassador to the stars.”
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also paid tribute, recognizing Rahbani as “a rare creative force who remained loyal to justice and dignity.” Writing on X, Salam affirmed that “Ziad said what many did not dare say. With his piercing honesty, he nurtured a new national awareness.”
Beyond his profound collaborations with Fairuz, Rahbani’s creative spirit found expression in several albums with actor and singer Joseph Harb, including Houdou Nisbi (1985) and Bema Enno (1996).
A committed member of the Lebanese Communist Party, he was equally renowned for his sharp political engagement, particularly through his satirical radio shows on the party’s Voice of the People station. Among these beloved broadcasts were “El Akl Zeina” (1987) and “Tabee La Shi Tabee Shi” (1976).
He also performed on Egyptian stages, with three memorable concerts between 2010 and 2018. Notably, he joined Fairuz as pianist and arranger during her iconic performance at the foot of the Giza pyramids in 1989.
Ziad Rahbani’s voice, once soaring through the vibrant soundscape of his era, may now be silent, but his timeless melodies and profound artistic vision will echo across generations. He leaves behind not just a body of work, but a creative spirit woven into the very soul of a nation’s culture.
