Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani, son of legendary singer Fayrouz, has died at the age of 69. Born in 1956, Rahbani was a visionary composer, playwright, pianist, and political provocateur who made a significant impact on Lebanese cultural expression.
Rahbani’s music reflected his hybrid heritage, blending Lebanese folklore with Western syncopation and phrasing. His compositions were performed by his mother at her concerts, showcasing his prodigious talent from a young age. Rahbani’s fusion of classical, jazz, and Oriental music “opened new windows for Lebanese cultural expression” and elevated it to global levels.
As a playwright and satirist, Rahbani tackled the complex issues of sectarian strife, class inequality, and repression in his works. His plays, such as Nazl el-Sourour (Happiness Hotel) and Bennesbeh Labokra Chou? (What About Tomorrow?), showcased his unique blend of satire, politics, and poignancy.
Rahbani’s legacy extends beyond his artistic contributions. He was a vocal critic of Lebanon’s political stagnation and decaying public life. His music continues to inspire younger generations, who have rediscovered his plays online and sampled his music in protest movements.
Fayrouz, Rahbani’s mother and an iconic singer herself, described him as “not just an artist, but a complete intellectual and cultural phenomenon.” Other prominent figures in Lebanese society, including President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, also paid tribute to Rahbani’s contributions to Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage.
Ziad Rahbani is survived by his mother, Fayrouz, 90, his sister Reema, and brother Hali. His passing marks the loss of a prominent voice in Lebanese society, whose artistic legacy will continue to inspire and provoke for years to come.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/fayrouz-ziad-rahbani-singer-lebanon-icon-dies-3367fba619311ce1a0de418f2e3a40f7