His first poems were published at the age of 13, and Rahbani went on to build a name for himself as an accomplished comedian, playwright, composer, singer and radio host.

More recently, he has proved himself equally adept at composing jazz music.

Rahbani has an enduring popularity that has spread across the Arab world. Last year the Lebanese composer was invited to perform in Damascus for the first time.

It was considered a gesture of goodwill from Syria, which shares a long and fractured history with Lebanon. According to one account, a huge audience had assembled two hours before the show opened.

Rahbani’s appearance in Damascus proved that music and culture is a means to bridge political conflicts, securing him a place in this year’s top 50.