Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani, son of iconic singer Fairuz, passes away at 69

Renowned Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani has died. He was 69.

Several Lebanese outlets have reported that the son of the late icon Fairuz and composer Assi Rahbani died earlier today, though his cause of death remains unclear. His death has shocked both the Lebanese and Arab communities.

Rahbani was thrust into the limelight in the 1970s for his bold political views and music. He was known for hits like "Bennesbeh Labokra Chou?" and "Film Ameriki Taweel," and he'd employed humor and art to represent his people during tumultuous times. He would often critique sectarianism, corruption, and war, NNA has reported.

Ziad Rahbani's life and legacy explored as tributes come pouring in:

Rahbani was born in 1956 in Antelias, not far from Beirut. He was the eldest of his siblings and one-half of the Rahbani Brothers duo. He reportedly began showing signs of an affinity for composing from an early age, having produced his first ballad at the age of 17. His mother, Assi, performed her son's genre-blending compositions during some of her concerts.

According to Asharaq Al-Awsat, the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced Rahbani’s demise, referring to it as a national loss and describing him as “not just an artist, but a complete intellectual and cultural phenomenon.”

Ziad Rahbani was “a living conscience, a rebellious voice against injustice, and an honest mirror reflecting the suffering and marginalized," he said in a statement, per the outlet. His ability to blend classical, jazz and Oriental music “opened new windows for Lebanese cultural expression” and thrust it onto a global scale. “Ziad was a natural extension of the Rahbani family, which gave Lebanon much beauty and dignity,” the president said.

Iraqi artist Shatha Hassoun also issued a statement mourning the loss of talent, per Albawaba:

"Legends never die, they live forever. I offer my condolences to the Lebanese people on the passing of one of the icons of great Lebanese art, Ziad Rahbani. May God have mercy on him."

Lebanese actress Rola Hamadeh said:

"Ziad Rahbani. Words are inadequate. What a heartache."

He was also known for his collaborations with Fairouz, which fared especially well in the late 1970s and 1980s, when the political atmosphere was charged. Together, they created ballads like Ouverture 83, Bala Wala Chi (Without Anything), and Kifak Inta (How Are You).

In his life, Rahbani had faced the wrath of Arab traditionalists for his efforts to bridge the gap between them and Western culture with his musical talent.

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