National anthems
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National Anthems
La Tchadienne: National Anthem of Chad
“The Chadian Ballad,” referred to as “La Tchadienne” in French, stands as the anthem of Chad, symbolizing the nation’s identity. Crafted by Louis Gidrol, a Jesuit father, along with his assembly of scholars, and harmonized by Paul Villard, also a Jesuit figure, this composition has resonated as Chad’s official anthem since its declaration of independence from France in the dawn of January 1960. Narrative Post a spirited competition, the verses…
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National Anthems
Fatshe leno la rona
Fatshe leno la rona is the national anthem of Botswana. Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete composed both the music and lyrics of the national anthem, which was officially adopted upon Botswana’s independence in 1966. Since then, the anthem has been sung on various significant occasions such as Kgotla meetings and independence celebrations. It holds immense respect, with strict protocols observed when it is performed: movements are prohibited, individuals stand at attention, and…
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National Anthems
Le Lion rouge: The national anthem of Senegal
Le Lion Rouge or “The Red Lion,” also known as “Everyone strum your koras, strike the balafons,” is the national anthem of Senegal. It was officially adopted in 1960. The lyrics were penned by Léopold Sédar Senghor, who served as Senegal’s first president. The music was composed by Herbert Pepper, a French composer who also crafted the national anthem of the Central African Republic, “La Renaissance.” The kora, a type…
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The national anthem of Thailand
The national anthem of Thailand, titled “Phleng chāt Thai” in Thai, was officially adopted in its current version on December 10, 1939. It replaced “Sansoen Phra Barami,” which had been the royal anthem since 1932. The melody was composed by Phra Chenduriyang (Peter Feit), with the lyrics penned by Luang Saranupraphan. “Phleng chāt” translates to “national anthem” in English and is also used to specifically refer to this song. After the…
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National Anthems
The national anthem of Nepal: Sayaun Thunga Phulka
“Sayaun Thunga Phulka,” also known as “Sayaun Thunga Phool Ka” in Nepali (सयौँ थुँगा फूलका), is the official national anthem of Nepal. It was formally adopted on August 3, 2007, during a ceremony held at the conference hall of the National Planning Commission, situated inside Singha Durbar. The adoption was officiated by Subash Chandra Nembang, the speaker of the interim parliament at that time. This decision marked the replacement of…
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Mer Hayrenik (Our Fatherland)
“Our Fatherland” (Armenian: Մեր Հայրենիք, pronounced: mair hy-ren-IK) serves as the national anthem of Armenia. Penned by Mikael Nalbandian in 1861, with the accompanying melody composed by Barsegh Kanachyan,[1] it draws inspiration from the poem “The Song of an Italian Girl.” Historically, the anthem’s roots lie in segments of “The Song of an Italian Girl.” Initially embraced in 1918 as the anthem of the First Republic of Armenia, its prominence…
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La Congolaise
“The Congolese” (Kongo: “Besi Kôngo”), also known as “La Congolaise,” serves as the official national anthem of the Republic of the Congo. Its adoption took place in 1959, following the country’s independence from France. However, it was briefly replaced by “Les Trois Glorieuses” in 1969 before being reinstated in 1991. The talented collaboration of Jacques Tondra and Georges Kibanghi resulted in profound lyrics, while the music was skillfully composed by…
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National Anthems
Debout Congolais
“Debout Congolais” (Kongo: Telama besi Kongo) serves as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Originally adopted in 1960 upon gaining independence from Belgium, it was temporarily replaced by “La Zaïroise” in 1971 when the country changed its name to Zaire. However, “Arise, Congolese” was reinstated in 1997 following the reorganization of the Congo. Historian and professor Joseph Lutumba authored the lyrics, while the music was composed…
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National Anthems
Terre de nos aïeux
The national anthem of Togo, titled “Land of our forefathers” (French: “Terre de nos aïeux”), was composed by Alex Casimir-Dosseh. It served as the country’s anthem from its independence in 1960 until 1979. In 1979, it was replaced by a new composition introduced by the Rally of the Togolese People party. However, the original anthem was readopted in 1992. History In the era of the Rally of the Togolese People,…
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National Anthems
The National anthem of South Africa
The South African national anthem, adopted in 1997, is a unique composition that blends elements from the 19th-century Xhosa hymn “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” (English: “God Bless Africa”) with the Afrikaans song “Die Stem van Suid-Afrika” (English: “The Voice of South Africa”), which was used as the national anthem during the apartheid era. The anthem features new English lyrics and is commonly known by its opening words, “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika,” although…