Ziad Rahbani, a pioneering Lebanese musician and composer who blended classical Western and Middle Eastern rhythms to create a unique sound, has died at the age of 69 from a heart attack. He was also a skilled pianist, playwright, and political provocateur.
Born into a musical family, Rahbani’s father Assi Rahbani was a renowned composer who modernised Arabic song by incorporating Western and Latin American influences. Ziad followed in his footsteps, drawing inspiration from jazz greats such as Charlie Parker and Stan Getz.
Rahbani’s music reflected the complex cultural heritage of Lebanon, which was a melting pot until the civil war erupted in 1975. His works tackled issues like class inequality, sectarian divides, and political corruption, earning him a reputation as a bold and uncompromising voice.
As a playwright, Rahbani’s plays, such as “Nazl el-Sourour” (Happiness Hotel), addressed the harsh realities of Lebanon’s society during the civil war era. His music, meanwhile, was characterised by its fusion of traditional Arabic melodies with jazz, funk, and classical influences.
Despite his passing, Rahbani’s legacy lives on through his music and plays, which continue to inspire younger generations in Lebanon and beyond. The country’s leaders paid tribute to him as a “living conscience” who spoke out against injustice and inequality.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/26/ziad-rahbani-pioneering-lebanese-musician-and-composer-dies-at-69