Rima Rahbani has publicly opposed any official honors or awards for her brother, Ziad Rahbani, stating that such accolades do not align with his personality. Speaking across various media platforms, including Al Akhbar and CNN Arabic, Rima Rahbani asserted that “any honoring of Ziad is forbidden,” arguing that formal tributes are often superficial and do not reflect the true nature of his artistic contributions.
The statement comes amid ongoing public and institutional interest in recognizing Ziad Rahbani. Rima Rahbani characterized these potential honors as “rejected” and noted that they do not “resemble him,” adding that artistic value is not measured by money or spotlights.
Rima Rahbani’s Rejection of Institutional Awards
In a series of candid remarks reported by Al Akhbar and Cairo 24, Rima Rahbani emphasized that the concept of “honoring” an artist through formal ceremonies is often contradictory to the spirit of the art itself. She explicitly told reporters that such tributes are “rejected” because they do not mirror the essence of Ziad’s work. According to these reports, Rima believes that the spotlight and financial incentives associated with such awards are secondary.
By stating "Leave Ziad alone" (حلّوا عن زياد), Rima Rahbani is defending a specific artistic philosophy that views institutional approval as a form of compromise.
CNN Arabic reported that Rima’s comments have sparked a wider debate in Lebanon.
The Artistic Legacy of Ziad Rahbani
While Rima has taken a protective and sometimes provocative stance in the media, she has expressed a deep admiration for her brother. Some reports, including those from Youm7, have highlighted the intensity of this bond, though her primary focus in recent statements has remained the protection of Ziad's autonomy from public and institutional pressures.
Impact on Lebanese Cultural Discourse
Rima's insistence that these honors "do not resemble him" points to the gap between the artist's lived reality and the version of an artist that institutions prefer to celebrate.