Beirut – SABA:
Lebanese artist Ziad Rahbani passed away on Saturday at the age of 69, after a long battle with illness in a hospital in Beirut.
With his passing, Lebanon and the Arab world have lost one of the most influential pillars of committed, critical art — a pioneer of theater and music, and a writer whose words and unforgettable melodies gave voice to the people's struggles and dreams, according to news agencies.
Ziad, the son of iconic singer Fairuz and the late composer Assi Rahbani, was raised in an extraordinary artistic environment. However, he carved out his own unique path, breaking away from traditional norms to establish a bold, intellectual, and critical voice. His work seamlessly blended art with politics, music with conviction, and words with conscience.
Following the announcement of his death, a wave of shock swept through artistic and cultural circles, according to Al Jazeera. Tributes poured in from political and artistic figures. Among the most notable was Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who wrote on the "X" platform: "Ziad Rahbani was not just an artist; he was a complete intellectual and cultural force — a living conscience, a rebellious voice against injustice, and a true mirror of society."
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