Lebanese Political Activist, Playwright, and Renowned Musician Ziad Rahbani Dies at 69

Lebanese Political Activist, Playwright, and Renowned Musician Ziad Rahbani Dies at 69

[Beirut, July 26, 2025] — A shining star of Arab music and theater, Ziad Rahbani passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 69 due to a heart attack. He died at 9 a.m. local time while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Ziad was the son of legendary Arab singer Fairuz and composer Assi Rahbani. Growing up immersed in a world of music and theater, he became a symbol of Lebanon’s cultural awakening. Ziad Rahbani was a composer, pianist, playwright, and outspoken political activist.

Protest Through Art

His plays and compositions have stirred generations. His work uniquely blended political satire, social unrest, and cultural revival. At just 17, he wrote the play Nazl el-Sourour (The Hotel of Happiness), which served as a mirror to a repressed society.

Another one of his landmark plays, Bennesbeh Labokra Chou? (What About Tomorrow?), portrayed the grim reality of post-war Lebanon. Through the voice of a pianist, he questioned: “They say tomorrow will be better—but what about today?”

A Musical Revolution

Ziad Rahbani introduced a new wave of modernity into Arab music. Blending jazz, funk, Latin, and classical styles, he created a unique genre called “Oriental Jazz,” especially showcased in the songs he composed for his mother. He once said, “My music isn’t Western—it’s Lebanese, and its expression is different.”

His live performances in Beirut’s Hamra clubs became legendary, merging politics, poetry, social commentary, and melody into an unforgettable experience.

State Honors and Reactions

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said, “He was a living conscience, a rebellious voice against injustice, and a mirror of truth for the oppressed.”
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam wrote in a statement of condolence, “Lebanon has lost an extraordinary and creative artist.”

His death has plunged the country into a sense of emptiness. Actress and former partner Carmen Lebbos wrote on social media, “It feels like everything is over. Lebanon feels hollow now.”

Family and Legacy

Ziad Rahbani is survived by his 90-year-old mother Fairuz, sister Rima, and brother Hali Rahbani. But his greatest legacy remains the music, plays, and spirit of resistance that still echo through the alleyways of Beirut, in the voices of the youth, and in every pulse of free thought.