The death of the great Lebanese artist Ziad Rahbani

In devastating news that shook the Arab artistic and cultural community, the death of the great Lebanese artist and musician Ziad Rahbani was announced today at the age of 69, after a long battle with illness.

The passing of Ziad Rahbani... Beirut's rebellious voice falls silent The son of Fairuz and the late Assi Rahbani, who carved out a unique place for himself in the history of music and theater with his bold and critical style, has passed away, leaving behind a massive legacy unlike any other.

Rahbani... the voice of criticism, satire, and identity Ziad Rahbani was known for his unique blend of oriental music and satirical political speech, and he had been a fixture in the Arab public consciousness since the 1970s.

His works bore a unique signature that combined a deep sense of humanity with bitter sarcasm, serving as a voice for the people and their daily concerns. Ziad was not just a composer or writer, but a complete cultural phenomenon that rebelled against artistic and political conventions.

His most notable works... an unforgettable legacy of music and theatre Among his most prominent plays that established his theatrical and intellectual presence are “Nazl Al-Surur,” “Nisb Lubkar Sho,” “Film Amriki Ta’ili,” and “She Fashil.” Musically, he performed immortal melodies with Fairuz’s voice, such as “Kaifak Inta,” “Bektub Ismak Ya Habibi,” “Oudk Resonant,” and “Ya Layli Ya Aini.” He also sang influential works with his voice, such as “Omi Namat Aa Bakir” and “Rafiki Sahar Al-Layali.” His melodies were distinguished by a special flavor, modern in spirit and rebellious in content.

Audience shock and irreplaceable absence The news of his death came as a sudden slap in the face to Ziad's fans around the world. Social media was filled with messages of condolence and grief, and the public reminisced about clips from his plays and songs, as if refusing to believe his passing. Artists, media figures, and intellectuals mourned the deceased with moving words, considering his passing not only a loss of a great artist, but also of a free thought and a voice that resembled a true homeland. Ziad Rahbani is gone, but his voice remains, speaking of the people's pain and of Beirut, which he loved until the end.