Lebanon leaders, politicians and many more pay tribute to Ziad Rahbani as renowned composer dies at 69

Ziad Rahbani, a beloved Lebanese musician and writer, passed away at the age of 69. He died on July 26, 2025, as reported by Lebanon’s national news. His parents were quite well known too; his mother is singer Fairuz, and his father was composer Assi Rahbani.

Leaders in Lebanon have paid tribute, honoring his role as a voice of justice and dignity. He blended styles. His music mixed jazz, classical Arabic melodies, and local folk. His plays were bold, satirical, and political. He dared to discuss sectarian divisions, corruption, inequality, and war. His voice became part of collective memory for many Lebanese.

Tribute to Ziad Rahbani from Lebanon’s Leaders

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun wrote that Ziad Rahbani was

“Not just an artist, but a complete intellectual and cultural phenomenon.”

He called him “a living conscience, a rebellious voice against injustice,” and praised how his music opened new doors in Lebanese culture.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described Ziad Rahbani as

“An exceptional creative artist and a free voice who remained true to the values of justice and dignity.”

He said Ziad “touched the hopes and pains of the Lebanese people… and planted a new awareness in the national cultural memory.”

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said,

“Lebanon without Ziad is drenched in sorrow...that will echo forever.”

Culture Minister Ghassan Salame said on social media,

"We long feared this day, knowing the steady decline of his health and his growing reluctance to seek treatment. Plans to care for him—whether at home or abroad—faded into distant thoughts, as Ziad no longer had the strength to imagine enduring the procedures that awaited him."

He added: “We will mourn him even as we continue to sing the songs that will never fade.”

Many other public figures also spoke kindly, including former prime ministers, members of parliament, and artists across Lebanon. They saw in Ziad’s life a model for using art to insist on justice, human dignity, and national memory.

Ziad Rahbani’s Life and Legacy

At just 17 years old, Ziad Rahbani composed his first major work for his mother. The song “Saalouni El Nass” was part of a major Rahbani show during a time his father was ill. Early in his career, his play Nazl el‑Sourour (1974) drew attention for its sharp satire. It portrayed workers who took over a restaurant to demand their rights—and ended up mocked by political powers.

He went on to write other notable plays, including Bennesbeh La Bukra Chou?, Film Ameriki Taweel, and Bema Inno, all using humor and music to critique war, sectarianism, and political elites. His musical style fused jazz, classical Arabic, and Lebanese folk. Songs like Bala Wala Chi, Kifak Inta, and Ana Mesh Kafer became classics and influenced a generation.

He was also known for his political honesty. He wrote commentary in newspapers and spoke clearly in public about corruption, sectarian divisions, and the suffering of ordinary people. In recent years, Ziad Rahbani lived away from the public eye, but younger people rediscovered his plays and music online.

Ziad Rahbani is no longer with us, but his voice will never be forgotten. Through his music and plays, he spoke for the people. He talked about pain, hope, truth, and justice.

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