The famed Lebanese composer, pianist, playwright, and political commentator Ziad Rahbani died in Beirut on 26 July, aged 69. He was often labelled a 'genius.' The reality was far more nuanced.

With dreamy vocals evoking images of hills and homeland, the star and her husband together wove a new and more romantic version of Lebanon in the years before the civil war that feels very distant now

The Lebanese popstar's recent passing sheds light on his huge influence on the Arab music scene where his songs which were recorded 50 years ago still dominate the nightlife scenes of today

A Family of Composers Oussama Rahbani was born on December 9, 1965 in Lebanon to Terez Abou Jouda and Mansour Rahbani. His father, Mansour, was part of the famous Rahbani brothers, which…