Ziad Rahbani Biography: Age, Wife, Parents, Siblings, Net Worth, Height, Songs, Legacy

Ziad Rahbani was a renowned Lebanese composer, pianist, playwright, performer, and political commentator.

As the son of legendary singer Fairuz and composer Assi Rahbani, he carved his own path in Arabic music and theater with innovative, politically charged works that blended jazz, classical, and traditional elements while satirizing social and political issues in Lebanon.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Ziad Rahbani
• Stage Name: Ziad Rahbani
• Born: January 1, 1956
• Died: July 26, 2025 (Age: 69 years old)
• Birthplace: Antelias, Lebanon
• Nationality: Lebanese
• Ethnicity: Lebanese
• Occupation: Composer, Pianist, Playwright, Performer, And Political Commentator
• Net Worth: $5 million USD
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Assi Rahbani and Fairuz
• Siblings: Hali Rahbani, Reema Rahbani, Layal Rahbani
• Spouse: Dalal Karam (married 1979, divorced)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Divorced

Early Life and Education

Ziad Rahbani was born on January 1, 1956, in Antelias, Lebanon. Raised by his parents, Assi Rahbani and Fairuz, in a household immersed in music and theater, he showed early talent, writing his first work “My Friend God” around age 12.

He attended a Jesuit school, Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour, where he received a solid education that nurtured his artistic and intellectual growth. His ethnicity is Lebanese. His religion is Christianity.

These formative years prepared him for a career that would challenge conventions in music and society.

Career

Ziad Rahbani first gained notice at age 17 when he composed music for the song Sa’alouni el Nas in tribute to his hospitalized father, performed by his mother Fairuz. He debuted in theater with Sahriyyeh in 1973, marking a shift toward modern, satirical styles unlike his parents’ traditional works.

He composed and arranged for Fairuz from the late 1970s, including albums like Wahdon (1979), Maarefti (1987), and later releases, introducing jazz influences and introspective lyrics in songs such as Kifak Inta and Bala Wala Chi. His solo albums, including Houdou’ Nisbi (1985) and Bennesbeh Labokra Chou (1977), featured experimental fusions and political themes.

As a playwright, he created politicized works like Nazl el-Sourour (1974), Bennesbeh Labokra Chou (1978), and American Film Long (1980), often directing, acting, and composing. A committed leftist and communist, he critiqued sectarianism and injustice through art during Lebanon’s civil war, remaining in West Beirut.

He largely withdrew from public life in later years but left a profound legacy in Arabic music and theater.

Awards and Nominations

• Commander of the National Order of the Cedar (posthumous, Lebanon, 2025)

Social Media

Ziad Rahbani does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Ziad Rahbani, 69, was a renowned Lebanese composer, pianist, playwright, performer, and political commentator. He married actress Dalal Karam in 1979, but the marriage ended in divorce amid personal challenges; they raised a son named Assi, though he was not biologically Ziad‘s.

He maintained a private life focused on art and ideals, with close family ties to his mother Fairuz, brother Hali, and sister Reema. Known for his leftist views, atheism, and criticism of religious and political norms, he drew from his upbringing and experiences during wartime.

Divorced with no biological children, Ziad prioritized creative expression and social commentary over public personal exposure.

Net Worth

Ziad Rahbani was a renowned Lebanese composer, pianist, playwright, performer, and political commentator. Net worth is estimated at $5 million USD. His income derived from compositions, album sales and royalties, theater productions, collaborations with Fairuz, live performances, and his influential body of work in Arabic music.

Discography

(selected notable albums, plays, and compositions)

• Bennesbeh Labokra Chou (1977)
• Houdou’ Nisbi (1985)
• Ana Mosh Kaafir (1985)
• Bhalak (with Fairuz)
• Wahdon (1979, arranger/composer for Fairuz)
• Maarefti (1987)