Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Mourns Ziad El Rahbani

President of Lebanon, General Joseph Aoun, mourned the passing of iconic musician and playwright Ziad Rahbani, who died today at the age of 69 after an extraordinary artistic journey. In an official statement from the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun said, “Ziad Rahbani was not just an artist—he was a complete intellectual and cultural , phenomenon. He was a living conscience, a rebellious voice against injustice, and a truthful mirror of the suffering and marginalized.”

Aoun praised Rahbani’s unflinching dedication to truth, saying: “He wrote the pain of the people and played the strings of truth without compromise. Through his purposeful theater and his music—rich with innovation that blended classical, jazz, and Oriental influences—he offered a unique artistic vision and opened new windows of Lebanese cultural expression that reached global heights.”

The president highlighted Rahbani’s roots, saying: “Ziad was a natural extension of the legendary Rahbani family, which gave Lebanon so much beauty and dignity. He was the son of the great Assi Rahbani and Fairuz, our ambassador to the stars. To her, we extend our deepest condolences today. Our hearts are with her in this immense loss, as we also offer our sympathies to the esteemed Rahbani family.”

Aoun concluded his tribute by affirming Ziad’s lasting legacy: “Ziad’s many exceptional works will remain alive in the memory of the Lebanese and the Arab world. They will inspire future generations and serve as a reminder that art can be a form of resistance, and that words can be a stance.

May Ziad Rahbani rest in peace, and may his vibrant music and plays continue to shine as beacons of freedom and calls for human dignity.”

Ziad Rahbani was among the most influential and innovative figures in modern Arab music and political theater. Born into an exceptional artistic household as the son of Fairuz and the late Assi Rahbani, he quickly forged a distinct path—blending deep musical sophistication with biting political satire and black humor. His voice, spirit, and artistic vision left an indelible mark on Lebanese and Arab culture.