• Ziad Rahbani, renowned composer and political provocateur, died at 69.
• He was the son of legendary singer Fairuz and a pioneering figure in Lebanese music.
• His works combined traditional Arabic melodies with jazz, reflecting the complexities of Lebanese society.
• Rahbani’s plays often critiqued social inequality and the political landscape in Lebanon.
• Tributes from Lebanese leaders highlighted his impact as a cultural phenomenon.

Ziad Rahbani, the influential Lebanese composer and political commentator, passed away at the age of 69 in a Beirut hospital after a prolonged illness, confirmed by the hospital’s statement. His death represents a significant loss for Lebanon's cultural landscape, where he became a symbol of artistic rebellion and intellectual depth during his lifetime, particularly known for blending various musical styles including jazz and traditional Arabic music, creating a distinctive sound that influenced generations, according to TRT Global and Middle East Eye.

Born into an artistic family, Rahbani was the son of Fairuz, one of the most celebrated singers in the Arab world, and composer Assi Rahbani. He developed his unique voice in the 1970s, moving away from his parents' romantic tradition toward a more politically charged repertoire. One of his hallmark creations, the play "Nazl el-Sourour" (Happiness Hotel), premiered when he was just 17, providing a biting social critique that resonates with Lebanon's ongoing struggles, emphasized in multiple tributes from well-known figures, including President Joseph Aoun, who noted his role as a voice of the marginalized, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Throughout his career, Rahbani explored themes of social inequality and the difficulties faced by the Lebanese people, particularly during the Civil War. His music and plays served as reflections of the country's fractured society, portraying characters that fought against injustice and corruption. His works, often infused with humor and absurdity, highlighted the complexities of life in Lebanon, making him a beloved figure across various generations, as stated by both his contemporaries and younger audiences who have rediscovered his work in recent years, according to Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and Reuters.

Rahbani’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from national leaders, who hailed him as a cultural icon and a dear creative presence in Lebanon. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam remarked on his legacy as a "free voice" that fearlessly articulated the sentiments of justice and dignity for the oppressed, reinforcing Rahbani's significant role in promoting political discourse through artistic expression, as conveyed by sources including TRT Global and Middle East Eye.