Videos: Fayrouz & World Bid Farewell to Ziad

Rana Atef

On Monday, Lebanese legend Fayrouz bid farewell to her son, iconic composer Ziad El Rahbani.

The funeral witnessed a heavy presence of Lebanese people, young people, and artists who bid farewell to a real friend and icon who shaped their souls and minds with her revolutionary musical concepts and bold political and social perspective.

Ziad, who started his career at the age of 12, combined with his mother to present a new and modern form of Al Rahbania music that colored the heritage of Lebanese and Arabic music.

In songs like "Kaifak Enta," "Sabah We Masa," "Al Bosta," "Oudak Ranan," and "Saaoloni El Nas," Ziad introduced the world to a new dimension for Lebanese folk music by adding faster tempos and jazz influences.

Ziad's fame arguably extended beyond his association with Fairuz’s works, as he performed many songs in his own voice, some of which became iconic pieces echoed by generations. Among these are: “Bala Wala Shi”, “‘Aaysha Wahda Blak”, and “Ana Msh Kafir”.

Returning to the play "Al-Mahatta, which also marked his first appearance on stage as a police officer—a role he also played in "Mais El Reem", the play for which he composed the introduction—Ziad would go on to write and direct his own plays.

These carried his distinct imprint and reflected his political and social views, often filled with satire and criticism of the prevailing reality.

Among his plays are: "Sahriyyeh", "Nuzul Al-Surur", "Bel Nisbeh La Bukra Shu", "Shi’ Fashil", and "Bikhuss Al-Karama w Al-Sha’ab Al-Anid".

In 1980, his play "Film Ameriki Taweel", set in a psychiatric hospital, achieved phenomenal success.

In it, he condensed the problems of Lebanese society and its sectarian divisions, which at the time were fueling the flames of civil war.

Ziad also participated in several radio programs that coincided with major events shaking Lebanon, most notably the civil war between 1975 and 1990.

Through these programs, he expressed his political stances on the rapidly unfolding events. These included: "Baadna Tayyibin... Qoul Allah", "Nuss el Alf Khamsmiyyeh", "Al-‘Aql Zineh", and the series "Announcement No. 1, 2, 3, 4", which followed the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

His broadcasts often featured biting satire and memorable phrases that were later quoted by many to describe the political scenes in several Arab countries.

Ziad also played minor roles in films, such as in the Lebanese movie "Tayyara min Wara" and the Algerian film “Nahla” in the late 1970s.

In both films, he composed the soundtrack—another facet of his multifaceted artistic creativity.

Ziad also wrote a series of journalistic articles, most notably a regular column for Al-Akhbar newspaper, which he contributed to between 2006 and 2018.

In the early 1970s, Ziad published a book titled “Sadeeq Allah”, a poetry collection he wrote in his early teenage years.

During the funeral, the iconic Fayrouz appeared in a simple and gentle form. She appeared to the world for the first time in long years with the same face and simple clothes the audience was used to.

She appeared to be faithful and patient in front of such huge grief. During her life, she lost a daughter, a husband, and now, a son.

Famous Lebanese actress Carmen Lebbos was seen in a heartbreaking mood, as she had deep ties with Ziad for more than 15 years.

Iconic composer Marcel Khalil and singer Heba Tawaju also showed their respect for the late friend and the iconic Fayrouz.

🔴 [#Live] Sitting in the church with her daughter, Fairuz mourned her son's coffin. As she entered the church, she sang "Ana al-Oum al-Hazina" (I am the grieving mother), a religious hymn usually sung at Easter.

📸 Mohammed Yassine/ L'Orient Today pic.twitter.com/JqXBOGIFjk

— L'Orient Today (@lorienttoday) July 28, 2025

Among the recalled songs and tunes of Ziad, the people recalled the religious hymn Fayrouz sang during the ceremonies of the Great Friday when she sang a hymn depicting the cries and the farewell of Virgin Mary to her son, Jesus.

Saydeh Church Charbila Priest directed in his speech at the funeral of Ziad some gentle words to that Fayrouz. He said that your children are many, around the world. They are those who wake and sleep listening to your voice and music.

الأم الحزينة.. pic.twitter.com/5cA21eI4Ke