Select Language:
Ahead of the funeral procession for the renowned Lebanese musician Ziad Rahbani, his mother Fairouz and sister Rima Rahbani were observed mourning his passing inside the Church of Our Lady of the Dormition on Monday.
Ziad Rahbani passed away at the age of 69 after battling a prolonged illness. He was widely admired as a Lebanese composer, pianist, playwright, and political analyst.
The funeral procession began on Beirut’s Hamra Street, with his body being carried through a crowd of admirers who held flowers, cheered, and hoisted Lebanese flags to honor the music legend. Additionally, attendees threw rice and blossoms at the vehicle bearing Rahbani’s remains as his memorable songs resonated along the street.
Fairouz was seen attending her son’s funeral in Beirut.
As the daughter of Fairouz, often called “The Cedar of Lebanon” for her immense influence as a singer across the Arab world, Rahbani composed multiple songs for his mother. At just 17 years old, Ziad Rahbani wrote his first song for Fairouz and made his stage debut as a detective in the play “Al Mahatta.” Among his most celebrated works for her are tracks such as “Sa’aloni al-Nas,” “Kifak Anta,” and “Adiy.”
Rahbani, the son of the legendary singer Fairouz, crafted numerous compositions for his mother, establishing a significant musical legacy. His early start in the arts saw him create his first song for Fairouz at age 17 and later venture onto the stage in a role as a detective. His notable contributions include some of her most famous songs, which remain influential today.