{"id":758503,"date":"2025-07-28T08:04:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T08:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beirut.com\/?p=758503"},"modified":"2025-07-28T14:25:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T14:25:31","slug":"music-amidst-mayhem-how-ziad-rahbani-chronicled-a-nations-struggle-and-spirit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beirut.com\/en\/758503\/music-amidst-mayhem-how-ziad-rahbani-chronicled-a-nations-struggle-and-spirit\/","title":{"rendered":"Music Amidst Mayhem: How Ziad Rahbani Chronicled a Nation\u2019s Struggle and Spirit"},"content":{"rendered":" <p>As Lebanese history was being written in the streets, Ziad Rahbani was composing its soundtrack. His music, a blend of jazz, funk, disco, classical Arabic, and generous political satire, he captured the humor, struggles, and soul of Lebanese life.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <p>Here are some of his most iconic tracks and the stories behind them.<br><\/p>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong><em>Abu Ali <\/em>(1979)<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><\/p>    <p>A 13-minute instrumental masterpiece that blends Arabic orchestration with disco, composed and recorded in Athens. It is widely considered a pioneering work of Arabic funk and has become a cult favorite for crate-diggers and music critics alike.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <p>Composed during the Lebanese Civil War, \u201cAbu Ali\u201d stands out for its escapist sound, as well as the sheer audacity of bringing disco to the Arabic music world at such a turbulent time.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ziad Rahbani - Abu Ali (1978)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qxIZDpShHC0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong><em>Bala Wala Shi <\/em>(1985)<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><\/p>    <p>Literally \u201cWithout Anything at All,\u201d this track fuses jazz, funk, and boogie elements. It\u2019s a prime example of Rahbani&#8217;s experimentation and has endured as one of his signature works.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <p>Released on the \u201cHoudou\u2019 Nisbi\u201d (\u201cRelative Calm\u201d) album, it reflects the bittersweet mood of Lebanon during a fragile ceasefire, offering a wry, candid take on living amid uncertainty.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ziad Rahbani - Bala Wala Chi (Lyric Video) | \u0632\u064a\u0627\u062f \u0631\u062d\u0628\u0627\u0646\u064a - \u0628\u0644\u0627 \u0648\u0644\u0627 \u0634\u064a\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/q9KKM-XQQCc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong><em>Ya Zaman El Ta\u2019efiyeh<\/em> (1980)<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><\/p>    <p>Meaning \u201cEra (or Time) of Sectarianism,\u201d and featured in soundtrack of \u201cFilm Amriki Tawil\u201d (\u201cA Long American Film\u201d), this song uses satire to critique Lebanon\u2019s deep divisions.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <p>Performed by Joseph Sakr, it remains one of Rahbani\u2019s sharpest commentaries on the enduring and sometimes absurd realities of sectarian politics in Lebanon.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ya Zaman El Ta&#039;efiyeh\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OrJeU9S1uWA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-ana-mush-kafer-1985\">4. <strong><em>Ana Mush Kafer<\/em> (1985)<\/strong><\/h3>    <p><\/p>    <p>One of Rahbani\u2019s most celebrated and controversial tracks, repeatedly performed in his stage works and re-released in 2008.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <p>The song addresses religious hypocrisy in Lebanon, urging leaders to pay attention to the plight of the poor, not just their own followers. The lyrics became a catchphrase for secular defiance.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ana Moush Kafer (2008 Remastered)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AF_Mp32XV_E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-rajaa-bi-izn-allah-1980\">5. <strong><em>Rajaa Bi Izn Allah<\/em><\/strong> (1980)<\/h3>    <p><\/p>    <p>Often cited as a cultural touchstone reflecting the longing for peace and return.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <p>This song is rooted in the despair and hope of the Lebanese civil war era, acting as both a lament and an anthem for resilience. Steeped in sarcasm, like most of his releases, it came after a period of relative calm, when many believed the war might be behind them. But Ziad, ever the realist (and satirist), used this track to suggest otherwise: that the war wasn\u2019t truly over, just paused.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Rajaa Bi Iznil Lah (Live)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Rx9j0iUu9Kk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-al-bosta-1979\">6. <strong><em>Al Bosta<\/em><\/strong> (1979)<\/h3>    <p><\/p>    <p>Featured in the landmark musical \u201cBennesbeh Labokra Chou?\u201d (\u201cWhat About Tomorrow?\u201d), it became an anthem for a generation.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <p>The song\u2019s playful lyrics about the trials of life take on new meaning in the context of war-torn Lebanon, where even boarding a bus could be fraught with peril and absurdity.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ziad Rahbani - Al Bosta\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tR0w6BPDiuU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-other-personal-tracks\">Other personal tracks: <\/h3>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-sa-alouni-al-nas\">7. <strong><em>Sa\u2019alouni al-Nas<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>    <p><\/p>    <p>Composed for his mother Fairuz.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <p>Ziad wrote this as his father Assi was gravely ill. The lyrics reflect loss, longing, and the secrecy surrounding family pain. It has since become one of Fairuz\u2019s most iconic songs.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fayrouz - Sa&#039;alouny El Nas \/ \u0641\u064a\u0631\u0648\u0632 - \u0633\u0623\u0644\u0648\u0646\u0649 \u0627\u0644\u0646\u0627\u0633\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yh1NS5R-shA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-marba-el-dalal-and-9-bisaraha\">8. <strong><em>Marba el Dalal<\/em><\/strong> and 9. <em>Bisaraha<\/em><\/h3>    <p><\/p>    <p>Personal, introspective tracks.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Marba Al Dalal\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kO5ByzswEdQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <p><\/p>    <p>Both were written about Rahbani\u2019s highly publicized and turbulent relationship with Dalal Karam, which ended in divorce. These songs offer a glimpse into the personal pain and vulnerability behind his sardonic public persona.<\/p>    <p><\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ziad Rahbani - Bisaraha (Audio)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/muZI6mw1zIY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe> <\/div><\/figure>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p>Rahbani\u2019s music is inseparable from Lebanon\u2019s modern history. Rahbani\u2019s legacy goes beyond music. His tracks are touchstones of cultural memory, and understanding them is key to understanding Lebanon\u2019s recent past.<\/p>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>    <p class=\"has-pale-ocean-gradient-background has-background\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Enjoyed reading about Ziad Rahbani and his music? You might also like: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beirut.com\/en\/738040\/did-you-know-fairuzs-li-beirut-samples-a-spanish-tune\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Did You Know? Fairuz\u2019s \u201cLi Beirut\u201d Samples A Spanish Tune<\/a><\/strong><\/p>    <div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>         <div style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"mobile products-container-two-product swiper\">   <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">        <a class=\"swiper-slide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beirut.com\/en\/product\/the-beirut-tee\/\" aria-label=\"The Beirut Tee\" style=\"min-width: 66% !important;height:auto !important;\">      <div style=\"min-width: 90% !important;\" class=\"single-product-two-product\">       <div class=\"product-image-two-product lazy-load\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.beirut.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/beirutee-524x600.png\">       <\/div>       <div class=\"product-content-two-product\">        <h2 style=\"height: 45px;\">The Beirut Tee<\/h2>        <p>Beirut.com printed logo on the left side. 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His music, a blend of jazz, funk, disco, classical Arabic, and generous political satire, he captured the humor, struggles, and soul of Lebanese life. Here are some of his most iconic tracks and the stories behind them. 1. Abu Ali [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":113,"featured_media":758514,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_preview_accessed":0,"footnotes":""},"tags":[269,1964,270,1064],"media-embed-type":[],"class_list":["post-758503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-fairuz","tag-lebanese-music","tag-music","tag-nostalgia"],"authorship":[113],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Music Amidst Mayhem: How Ziad Rahbani Chronicled a Nation\u2019s Struggle and Spirit &#187; Beirut.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ziad\u202fRahbani\u2019s most influential music, from his satirical political anthems to deeply emotional classics. 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