Latest news with #AssiRahbani
L'Orient-Le Jour
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Between Assi and Ziad Rahbani, an intellectual conflict that sums up Lebanon's modern history
It was in the living room of Assi Rahbani's house in the Metn district's Antelias — a space Ziad Rahbani once called a 'republic' — that the young genius we have just lost was raised. In this "living room republic," the romantic artistic movement of the Arab East took shape, glorifying nature, heritage and the countryside through music, language and dialect that helped craft a new Lebanese just seven years old, Ziad listened as Said Akl debated with Ounsi al-Hajj over the meaning of the word "homeland." This room was not merely a site of musical or theatrical creation. As Ziad himself once put it, it was a "decision-making center." Yet the "prodigal son" did not "follow the line." He rebelled against this cultural project — in an intellectual rupture that, in many ways, encapsulates Lebanon's modern history. More on this...
Al Bawaba
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Reason behind Ziad Rahbani's death revealed
ALBAWABA - Following his shocking death, the cause of Ziad Rahbani's death was finally revealed to the media. Also Read Ziad Rahbani, son of Lebanese singer Fairouz, dies aged 69 According to the Lebanon 24 website, Ziad Rahbani died from cirrhosis of the liver. It is worth noting that Ziad Rahbani is the son of the great Lebanese singer Fairouz and died suddenly on Saturday, July 26. Yesterday, the Lebanese and Arab artistic community was shocked by the death of the great Lebanese artist Ziad Rahbani at the age of 69. Some sources claimed that the health of singer Fairouz deteriorated following the news that Ziad had passed away, and the family called doctors to monitor her case. Rahbani is the son of Fairuz and the late Assi Rahbani. He was one of Lebanon's most prominent artists, composers, and playwrights. He was known for his modern music and was also prominent in critical plays that depicted the sad Lebanese reality in a subtle, humorous, and sarcastic style. Who is Ziad Rahbani? Ziad Rahbani is a Lebanese composer, pianist, playwright, and political commentator. He is the son of Fairouz, who is one of the Arab world's most famous singers, and Assi Rahbani, one of the founders of modern Arabic music. When Ziad Rahbani was 17, he composed his first music for Fairuz, his mother. His first appearance on stage was in "Al Mahatta", where he played the role of the detective. He also appeared later on in the Rahbani Brothers' "Mays el Rim" in the role of one of the policemen. Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani Songs Ziad Rahbani composed for Fairouz: Ziad has composed major songs for his mother Fairouz, but here are the main ones that echoed in the Middle East and the Arab world:1. 'Sa'aloni al-Nas"2. "Ala al-Hada"3. "Yakalli"4. "Kifak Anta"5. "Adiy"6. "Ana Andi Habib" 7. "Baini w Bainak"
The National
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Composer Ziad Rahbani, 'the voice of Lebanon's soul', dies at 69: Tributes pour in for beloved composer
Ziad Rahbani, a Lebanese composer, playwright and political commentator known for his influential role in Arabic theatre and music, has died aged 69. The cause of death has yet to be announced. The son of renowned singer Fairouz and composer the late Assi Rahbani, Ziad Rahbani is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive creative voices to emerge from Lebanon in the past five decades. Toufic Maatouk, Lebanese composer and musicologist, told The National: 'Ziad Rahbani's music is a voice carved from Lebanon's soul. He called it 'oriental jazz,' but it was more – a fusion of Arabic melodies, funk, and jazz that sounded unmistakably Lebanese. Each note carried Beirut's chaos, warmth, and wit. Ziad's artistry wasn't imitation, it was invention, born from home.' Rahbani rose to prominence during the Lebanese Civil War through a series of acclaimed plays and musical works that combined colloquial Lebanese dialogue, jazz and classical Arabic music with political and social critique. He was born in Beirut in 1956 into one of the Arab world's most prominent musical families. He began his professional career at an early age, composing Saalouni El Nass in 1973, which Fairouz performed during a period when Assi Rahbani was recovering from a stroke. In the years that followed, Ziad Rahbani established himself as an important figure in Beirut's cultural scene. His early theatre productions including Nazl el-Sourour explored themes of civil conflict, sectarianism and everyday life in Lebanon with a satirical and often provocative tone. Rahbani was an outspoken political commentator, often expressing support for leftist movements and criticising the Lebanese political establishment. While his views were often polarising, he remained a leading voice in regional cultural and political discourse. In addition to his theatre work, Rahbani continued to compose music throughout his career, including a number of collaborations with his mother, in the 1980s. Albums such as Maarifti Feek and Wahdon introduced lyrical and musical directions for the celebrated musician, often reflecting more personal or socially conscious themes. Although he gave few interviews in his later years, Rahbani continued to perform live, frequently mixing music with political commentary during his concerts. His influence extends to several generations of Arab musicians, writers and performers. In recent years, the rise of the Habibi funk movement has won Rahbani fans around the world, with albums including Houdou Nisbi, Amrak Seedna & Abtal Wa Harameyah and Bennesbeh Labokra … Chou? reissued internationally on vinyl to great acclaim. Arab musicians pay tribute to Ziad Rahbani Lebanese musician Tania Salah, considered one of the founding voices of the country's independent music culture, says that Rahbani is the true architect of the scene. 'Some people like to think the indie scene started with us. I don't think so. I believe it started with him, because he was already independent – from his family, from the Lebanese music scene, and even from the larger Arab world. His influences came from everywhere. He was the true first,' says Salah. Mayssa Kara, singer and artistic director of Berklee Abu Dhabi, said that Rahbani's current influence extended far beyond his artistic output. 'Ziad Rahbani was more than just a musician; he was a voice, a mirror, and a pulse for Lebanon,' said Kara. 'He taught generations how to speak the truth through music, no matter how uncomfortable that truth was. His art was always based on his deep love for his country and its people, and this love shaped every lyric, melody, and story he told. 'People of all ages, classes, and faiths could relate to Ziad's music because it was so real. As a musician, he broke all the rules and didn't follow trends or fit into moulds, carving out a path that countless artists, including myself, have drawn inspiration from. He showed us that music could be both heartbreaking and full of humour,' Kara says. 'Ziad, rest in music. Your music, your words, and your spirit will always live on in the hearts of the people of Lebanon. Without you, we might not even know what Lebanon means, but maybe that's the beauty of your legacy: you've become part of the country's very definition.' Emirati composer Ihab Darwish says: 'For us, this is a tragedy. It feels like we've lost one of the most iconic musicians in the Arab world. 'While I never met him, I consider him one of my idols. He taught me a lot about blending different genres. He also clearly has a storytelling style that is very similar to mine – ensuring that music has a narrative and theme.'
The National
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Ziad Rahbani, 'the voice of Lebanon's soul', dies at 69: Tributes pour in for beloved composer
Ziad Rahbani, a Lebanese composer, playwright and political commentator known for his influential role in Arabic theatre and music, has died aged 69. A cause of death has yet to be announced. The son of renowned singer Fairouz and composer Assi Rahbani, Rahbani is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive creative voices to emerge from Lebanon in the past five decades. Toufic Maatouk, Lebanese composer and musicologist, told The National: "Ziad Rahbani's music is a voice carved from Lebanon's soul. He called it 'oriental jazz,' but it was more – a fusion of Arabic melodies, funk, and jazz that sounded unmistakably Lebanese. Each note carried Beirut's chaos, warmth, and wit. Ziad's artistry wasn't imitation, it was invention, born from home." Rahbani rose to prominence during the Lebanese Civil War through a series of acclaimed plays and musical works that combined colloquial Lebanese dialogue, jazz and classical Arabic music with political and social critique. He was born in Beirut in 1956 into one of the Arab world's most prominent musical families. He began his professional career at a young age, composing Saalouni El Nass in 1973, which Fairouz performed during a period when Assi Rahbani was recovering from a stroke. In the years that followed, Rahbani established himself as an important figure in Beirut's cultural scene. His early theatre productions explored themes of civil conflict, sectarianism and everyday life in Lebanon with a satirical and often provocative tone. Rahbani was an outspoken political commentator, often expressing support for leftist movements and criticising the Lebanese political establishment. While his views were often polarising, he remained a key voice in regional cultural and political discourse. In addition to his theatre work, Rahbani continued to compose music throughout his career, including a number of collaborations with his mother Fairouz, in the 1980s. Albums such as Maarifti Feek and Wahdon introduced lyrical and musical directions for the celebrated musician, often reflecting more personal or socially conscious themes. Although he gave few interviews in his later years, Rahbani continued to perform live, frequently mixing music with political commentary during his concerts. His influence extends to multiple generations of Arab musicians, writers and performers. In recent years, the rise of the Habibi funk movement has garnered Rahbani new fans around the world, with albums including Houdou Nisbi, Amrak Seedna & Abtal Wa Harameyah and Bennesbeh Labokra... Chou? reissued internationally on vinyl to great acclaim. Arab musicians pay tribute to Ziad Rahbani Lebanese musician Tania Salah, considered one of the founding voices of the country's independent music culture, says that Rahbani is the true architect of the scene. Salah said: "Some people like to think the indie scene started with us. I don't think so. I believe it started with him, because he was already independent – from his family, from the Lebanese music scene, and even from the larger Arab world. His influences came from everywhere. He was the true first." Mayssa Kara, singer and artistic director of Berklee Abu Dhabi, said that Rahbani's current influence extended far beyond his artistic output. 'Ziad Rahbani was more than just a musician; he was a voice, a mirror, and a pulse for Lebanon," said Kara. "He taught generations how to speak the truth through music, no matter how uncomfortable that truth was. His art was always based on his deep love for his country and its people, and this love shaped every lyric, melody, and story he told. "People of all ages, classes, and faiths could relate to Ziad's music because it was so real. As a musician, he broke all the rules and didn't follow trends or fit into moulds, carving out a path that countless artists, including myself, have drawn inspiration from. He showed us that music could be both heartbreaking and full of humor," Kara said. "Ziad, rest in music. Your music, your words, and your spirit will always live on in the hearts of the people of Lebanon. Without you, we might not even know what Lebanon means, but maybe that's the beauty of your legacy: you've become part of the country's very definition." Emirati composer Ihab Darwish said: "For us, this is a tragedy. It feels like we've lost one of the most iconic musicians in the Arab world. "While I never met him, I consider him one of my idols. He taught me a lot about blending different genres. He also clearly has a storytelling style that is very similar to mine – ensuring that music has a narrative and theme."
France 24
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Ziad Rahbani, visionary Lebanese musician and politically engaged son of Fayrouz, dies at 69
Ziad Rahbani, a visionary Lebanese composer, playwright, pianist and political provocateur, died on Saturday, at the age of 69, according to the state-run National News Agency. The death was confirmed by a person close to Rahbani who spoke on condition of anonymity. The cause of death was not immediately clear. Born in 1956 in Antelias, near Beirut, Ziad was the eldest son of legendary Lebanese singer Fayrouz and late composer Assi Rahbani, one half of the famed Rahbani Brothers. From a young age, he showed signs of prodigious talent, composing his first musical work at just 17 years old. Raised among artistic royalty, his world was steeped in music, theater, and political consciousness — a combination that would define his life's work. His mother, who was considered to be the most famous and esteemed performer in the Arab world, performed some of his compositions at her concerts, blending Lebanese folklore with Western syncopation and phrasing. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun said Rahbani was 'not just an artist, but a complete intellectual and cultural phenomenon.' In a statement, Aoun praised Rahbani as 'a living conscience, a rebellious voice against injustice, and an honest mirror reflecting the suffering and marginalized.' He highlighted how Rahbani's fusion of classical, jazz and Oriental music 'opened new windows for Lebanese cultural expression' and elevated it to global levels. 'Ziad was a natural extension of the Rahbani family, which gave Lebanon much beauty and dignity,' the president added. Lebanese pop star Elissa, writing on X, said: 'Ziad_Rahbani was not an ordinary artist ... With his loss today, Lebanon has lost a part of itself and a big piece of its collective memory.' Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri sent his 'deepest condolences to the great Fairouz, to the Rahbani family, and to all Lebanese on the loss of the brilliant artist Ziad Rahbani, who embodied the Lebanon we loved.' Minister of Culture Ghassan Salame said: 'We will mourn him as we continue to sing his songs that will never die.' Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described Rahbani as 'an exceptional and creative artist — a free voice who remained true to the values of justice and dignity.' While his parents helped construct a golden era of Lebanese musical theater steeped in idealism and nostalgia, Rahbani charged onto the scene with irreverent satire, unflinching political critique and jazz-inflected scores that mirrored the chaos and contradictions of a Lebanon at war with itself. 'I admire the music of composers like Charlie Parker, Stan Getz and Dizzy Gillespie,' he once said. 'But my music is not Western, it's Lebanese, with a different way of expression.' Rahbani's music reflected the hybrid heritage of Lebanon, which until the civil war erupted in 1975 was a cultural melting pot where East met West. But it was also deeply rooted in the traumatic events of the sectarian strife, the bloody street battles between rival militias and three years of violent Israeli occupation after the 1982 invasion. His breakout play, Nazl el-Sourour (Happiness Hotel), premiered in 1974 when he was only 17 and portrayed a society disfigured by class inequality and repression. The tragicomic narrative follows a group of workers who hijack a restaurant to demand their rights, only to be dismissed by the political elite. With this bold debut, Rahbani revealed his enduring theme: that Lebanese society was fractured not only by war but by entrenched power. A leftist Greek Orthodox, Rahbani also wrote plays and satirical radio shows centered on his violent environment that mock the sectarian divisions of his country. Rahbani's subsequent plays solidified his reputation as the voice of the disenchanted. In Bennesbeh Labokra Chou? (What About Tomorrow?), he plays a jaded bar pianist in post-civil war Beirut who drifts through a surreal landscape of broken dreams, corruption and absurdity. The work features some of Rahbani's most poignant music and biting commentary, including the famous line, 'They say tomorrow will be better, but what about today?' More than just a playwright, Rahbani was a composer of staggering range. He infused traditional Arabic melodies with jazz, funk and classical influences, creating a hybrid sound that became instantly recognizable. His live performances were legendary, whether playing piano in smoky clubs in Hamra, one of Beirut's major commercial districts that harbors a multifaceted identity, or orchestrating large-scale productions. His collaborations with Fayrouz, especially during the late 1970s and 1980s, ushered in a darker, more politically charged phase in her career. Songs like Ouverture 83, Bala Wala Chi (Without Anything), and Kifak Inta (How Are You) reflected Ziad's brooding compositions and lyrical introspection. Rahbani came under fire from Arab traditionalists for his pioneering efforts to bridge the gap between Arab and Western culture with music. In recent years, Ziad appeared less in the public eye, yet his influence never waned. Younger generations rediscovered his plays online and sampled his music in protest movements. He continued to compose and write, speaking often of his frustration with Lebanon's political stagnation and decaying public life. Rahbani is survived by his mother, Fayrouz, 90, his sister Reema and brother Hali.
