Arab News

DUBAI: Lebanese musician and playwright Ziad Rahbani, who was the son of iconic singer Fayrouz, died on Saturday at the age of 69.

Rahbani, who was born on Jan. 1, 1956, began composing for Fayrouz as a teenager and is the mind behind legendary songs including “Kifak Inta” and “Bala Wala Shi.” His father, composer Assi Rahbani, was a musical icon in his own right.

Considered one of the most influential voices in Lebanese music, Rahbani was also a fierce political commentator and was known for his biting political satire and political theater. Notable plays by Rahbani include “Nazl Al-Sourour,” “A Long American Film,” and “Bema Inno.” 

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam paid tribute to Rahbani in a post on X, calling him “an exceptional creative artist and a free voice who remained loyal to the values of justice and dignity.

“Ziad embodied a deep commitment to human and national causes,” Salam added. 

“On stage, through music and words, he said what many did not dare to say, and for decades, he touched the hopes and pains of the Lebanese people. With his piercing honesty, he planted a new awareness in the conscience of national culture.”