In a rare public appearance, legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz took part on Monday in the funeral of her son, musician Ziad Rahbani, held at the Church of Our Lady’s Dormition in the town of Al-Muhayditha – Bkifa, northeast of Beirut.

Fairuz, who rarely appears in front of cameras, was seen alongside her daughter, Rima Rahbani, during an emotional farewell attended by a limited number of close family members and friends.

The funeral ceremony began Monday morning, two days after the announcement of Ziad Rahbani’s death at the age of 69, following a prolific career that made him one of the most prominent names in Arab music and theater.

Condolences are being received at the Church of Our Lady’s Dormition from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will resume on Tuesday at the same times.

Bold Thinking and an Exceptional Legacy

Ziad Rahbani was known for his sharp, satirical critique of Lebanon’s political and social realities. Through his artistic work, he fearlessly tackled controversial societal issues with a unique, biting style. Even the works of his own parents, Fairuz and Assi Rahbani, were not spared from his early critical lens.

He stood out for his intellectual courage and avant-garde artistic concepts, securing an exceptional place in the Arab cultural scene — though his creative output slowed in recent years due to his declining health.