Yasmine Hamdan is a Lebanese singer-songwriter.
Ziad remains woven with my late father’s presence. We grew up with his music in our home. My sister Alia took her name from his song, “Al Bosta”.
Ziad was one of my earliest guides.
His unconventional charisma stretched my understanding of humor. His art shaped my acuity to music, and my social and political awareness.
The last time I saw Ziad was maybe ten years ago. I was visiting Beirut, had a vocal cord injury and was told not to speak until it healed. I was only communicating through signs and by writing in a notebook. He turned this absurd moment into his own parody, with me as the silent spectator. This wonderful memory will remain engraved in my heart.
We say farewell to a grand artist who metamorphosed absurdities and despair into poetry and humor, and at once creating a profound culture of resistance.
May you rest in peace, my friend.
