Renowned Lebanese composer, playwright, and pianist Ziad Rahbani passed away Saturday at the age of 69, marking the end of a cultural era in Lebanon, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.
Son of legendary singer Fairuz and composer Assi Rahbani, Ziad rose to prominence in the 1970s with his bold political satire and genre-blending music.
Known for plays like “Bennesbeh Labokra Chou?” and “Film Ameriki Taweel”, Rahbani became a voice for the people during times of conflict, using humor and art to critique sectarianism, corruption, and war. His unique fusion of Arabic music with jazz and funk revolutionized the region’s sound.
Ziad Rahbani leaves behind a legacy of fearless creativity and cultural influence that reshaped Lebanese music and theatre.
