Prominent Lebanese composer, playwright, and political commentator Ziad Rahbani passed away at the age of 69 following a prolonged illness, according to multiple Lebanese media outlets.
Rahbani rose to fame at a young age and became a defining cultural voice in the Arab world. His work blended biting political and social satire with a distinct artistic flair, earning him a devoted following across Lebanon and the wider region.
Renowned for his leftist ideology, steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, resistance to Israeli occupation, and sharp critique of Lebanon’s entrenched political order, Rahbani emerged as both a pioneering artist and a formidable political thinker.
A TV anchor once asked Ziad Rahbani, ‘Ziad, does your mother (Fairuz) support the Resistance?’ He replied, ‘Of course, and if she didn’t, I wouldn’t compose music for her. And she knows that very well.” Rest in peace Ziad, you were one of the world’s greatest musical minds. ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/eaP7mABBai
— marie (@mariiiee_x) July 26, 2025
A Cultural Force
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun paid tribute to Rahbani, calling him “not just an artist, but a complete intellectual and cultural figure—a living conscience, a rebellious voice against injustice, and a true mirror of the marginalized and the suffering.”
Aoun extended his condolences to Ms. Fairuz, Rahbani’s mother, and to the entire Rahbani family, stating, “His remarkable works will remain alive in the memory of Lebanese and Arab generations, reminding them that art can be a form of resistance and that words can take a stand.”
National Mourning
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri also mourned Rahbani’s passing, saying, “The melody is somber, the words are heavy with grief, and the black curtain falls on a Rahbani chapter rich in humanity, culture, art, and patriotism—one that will never die.”
“Heartfelt condolences to Fairuz, the Rahbani family, and all Lebanese, as we bid farewell to the brilliant artist who captured Lebanon as he loved it—writing it as poetry, composing it as music, and singing it as song,” Speaker Berri added.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described Rahbani as “a creative and exceptional voice, whose passing marks the loss of an artist who remained steadfast in his commitment to justice and dignity.”
“Ziad embodied a profound dedication to the human condition and national causes. For decades, his work reflected the hopes and struggles of the Lebanese people,” PM Salam said.
Hezbollah Mourns Resistance Icon
Additionally, Hezbollah extended its condolences, mourning the loss of Ziad Rahbani as “a prominent cultural and political figure who embodied the spirit of resistance.”
In a statement issued Saturday, the group’s media relations office highlighted Rahbani’s “unwavering commitment to justice and the Palestinian cause,” noting that his work “left a profound and lasting impact on Lebanese identity and the broader struggle for freedom.”
Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance in Lebanon praised Rahbani as “a true voice of the people and a beacon of defiance against oppression,” underscoring the deep respect he commanded across both political and social spheres.
Rahbani leaves behind a legacy that transcends music and theater—a body of work that gave voice to dissent, challenged convention, and resonated deeply with generations across the Arab world.
Source: Al-Manar Website