Ziad Rahbani held a mirror to Lebanese society
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Economist
4 days ago
- Economist
Ziad Rahbani held a mirror to Lebanese society
GOOD art resonates with each generation. Ziad Rahbani might have wished that some of his did not. The plot of 'Belnesba Labokra Chou?' ('What About Tomorrow?'), his classic play, is simple: a young man moves from the mountains to the city and finds work in a bar. But life in Beirut is expensive, so his wife turns to prostitution. It is a tale of a strained marriage and a strained society, the latter undergoing rapid urbanisation and an incipient civil war. Every Lebanese can quote its most famous line: 'They say tomorrow will be better, but what about today?'
The Independent
28-07-2025
- The Independent
Lebanon mourns iconic composer Ziad Rahbani as mother Fayrouz makes rare appearance
Hundreds of people in Lebanon paid tribute Monday to iconic composer, pianist and playwright Ziad Rahbani, who died over the weekend. His mother, Fayrouz, one of the Arab world's most esteemed singers, made a rare public appearance. Rahbani, also known as a political provocateur, died Saturday at age 69. The cause of death was not immediately known. His passing shocked much of the Arab world, which appreciated his satire, unapologetic political critique and avante-garde, jazz-inspired compositions that mirrored the chaos and contradictions of Lebanon throughout its civil war from 1975 until 1990. He also composed some of his mother's most famous songs. The Rahbani family was a cornerstone in Lebanon's golden era of music theater that today is steeped in idealism and nostalgia in a troubled country. Top Lebanese political officials and artists paid tribute after the death was announced. Rahbani, a leftist Greek Orthodox, often mocked Lebanon's sectarian divisions in his work. Hundreds of people holding roses and photos gathered by Khoury Hospital near Beirut 's busy Hamra district, solemnly singing some of his most famous songs and applauding as a vehicle carrying his body left its garage. Reem Haidar, who grew up during the civil war, said Rahbani's songs and their messages were what she and others associated with at a time when there was 'no nation to belong to.' The vehicle made its way to a church in the mountainous town of Bikfaya before burial in the family cemetery. Fayrouz, 90, had spent many years away from the public eye. Wearing black sunglasses and a black veil, she greeted visitors who came to pay respects. She had not been seen publicly since photos surfaced of her meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited her residence in 2020 to award her France's highest medal of honor. In recent years, Rahbani also 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 and his sister Reema and brother Hali.
Reuters
26-07-2025
- Reuters
Ziad Rahbani, Lebanese musical giant and sardonic critic, dead at 69
BEIRUT, July 26 (Reuters) - 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.
