Skip to main content

Ziad Rahbani, Lebanese musical giant and sardonic critic, dead at 69

1 min Mena Today

Ziad Rahbani, the Lebanese composer and musician who built a distinct Lebanese sound from Western and Arabic musical roots, and whose sardonic critique of the country's sectarian politics rang true to Lebanese across the divides, has died.

Lebanese musician and composer Ziad Rahbani, Reuters/Jamal Saidi

Lebanese musician and composer Ziad Rahbani, Reuters/Jamal Saidi

Ziad Rahbani, the Lebanese composer and musician who built a distinct Lebanese sound from Western and Arabic musical roots, and whose sardonic critique of the country's sectarian politics rang true to Lebanese across the divides, has died.

He was 69.

Rahbani was much-loved across Lebanon and his words remained relevant across generations, from those who grew up with him during the 1975-90 Civil War, to the post-war generation who have struggled to shake the war's legacy.

He passed away at a hospital in Beirut on Saturday morning after a long illness, the hospital said.

By Timour Azhari and Laila Bassam

Related

Lebanon

Beirut prepares for Papal visit

With just over two weeks to go before Pope Leo XIV’s much-anticipated visit to Beirut (November 30–December 2), Lebanese authorities have launched an official website.

Hamas

Hamas quietly reasserts control in Gaza as post-war talks grind on

From regulating the price of chicken to levying fees on cigarettes, Hamas is seeking to widen control over Gaza as U.S. plans for its future slowly take shape, Gazans say, adding to rivals' doubts over whether it will cede authority as promised.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.