Ziad Rahbani is a Lebanese composer, pianist, singer, playwright and screenwriter born on January 1, 1956 in Antelias, near Beirut. Son of the famous Lebanese singer Fairuz and composer Assi Rahbani, he grew up in a family at the heart of the Lebanese music scene. From an early age, he was involved in the Rahbani brothers' theatrical and musical productions. At the age of 17, he wrote his first major work, Sadiqi Allah (My Friend God), a satirical play that marked the beginning of his politically, socially and ironically committed style. From the 1970s onwards, he distinguished himself with musical plays such as L'Auberge du bonheur (1974), Bennesbeh Labokra, Chou? (And for tomorrow, what shall we do?, 1985), Film Ameriki Taweel (A long American film) or Shi Fashil (Something failed), which criticize social divisions, the Lebanese civil war and political corruption, all mixed with acerbic humor and a popular aesthetic. A classically trained pianist, he introduces a blend of jazz, oriental music and variety into his works, creating a unique and influential style in Lebanon. He also collaborated closely with his mother Fairuz from the 1980s onwards, composing several albums for her in a more modern, intimate tone, such as Maarifti Feek (Ma connaissance de toi, 1987). Ziad Rahbani is also an outspoken left-wing intellectual, known for his pro-communist stance and his columns in the press. A major figure in Lebanese culture, as much for his artistic talents as for his critical words and his influence on the intellectual youth of the Arab world, Ziad Rahbani died on July 26, 2025 at the age of 69.
