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, the national anthem was renamed “l’UNITÉ NATIONALE” during the Third Republic. This anthem, created by the party, replaced “Terre de nos aïeux” from 1979 to 1992. However, in 1992, the previous anthem was reinstated, as there were concerns that patriotism was being closely associated with loyalty to the Rally.

Lyrics

Lyrics	Alex Casimir-Dosseh [fr], 1960
Music	Alex Casimir-Dosseh, 1960
Adopted	1960
Readopted	1992
Relinquished	1979

French

I
Salut à toi pays de nos aïeux,
Toi qui les rendait forts, paisibles et joyeux,
Cultivant vertu, vaillance,
Pour la postérité.
Que viennent les tyrans, ton cœur soupire vers la liberté.
Togo debout, luttons sans défaillance.
Vainquons ou mourons, mais dans la dignité.
Grand Dieu, toi seul nous a exaltés
Du Togo pour la prospérité.
Togolais viens, bâtissons la cité.

II
Dans l’unité nous voulons te servir,
C’est bien là de nos cœurs, le plus ardent désir.
Clamons fort notre devise,
Que rien ne peut ternir.
Seul artisan de ton bonheur, ainsi que de ton avenir,
Brisons partout les chaînes de la traîtrise,
Et nous te jurons toujours fidélité
Et aimer servir, se dépasser,
Faire encore de toi sans nous lasser,
Togo chéri, l’or de l’humanité.

III
Salut, salut à l'Univers entier.
Unissons nos efforts sur l'immense chantier
D'où naîtra toute nouvelle
La Grande Humanité.
Partout au lieu de la misère, apportons la félicité.
Chassons du monde la haine rebelle.
Finis l'esclavage et la captivité.
À l'étoile de la liberté,
Renouons la solidarité
Des nations dans la fraternité.

English translation

I
Hail to you, land of our forefathers,
You who made them strong, peaceful and happy,
Cultivating virtue, valour
For posterity.
Should tyrants come, may your heart long for freedom.
Togo arise, let us fight without faltering.
Victory or death, but in dignity.
God almighty, You alone have exalted us
From Togo for prosperity.
Togolese come, let us build the state.

II
In unity we want to serve you,
It is indeed the most burning desire of our hearts.
Let us loudly proclaim our motto,
Which nothing can tarnish.
Sole architect of your happiness, as well as your future,
Let us break the chains of treachery everywhere,
And we swear loyalty to you always,
And to love to serve, to surpass ourselves,
To make you yet, without tiring,
Dear Togo, the gold of humanity.

III
Hail, hail to the entire universe.
Let us unite our efforts on the immense building site
From which will be reborn completely anew
Great Humanity.
Everywhere, instead of misery, let us bring happiness.
Let us chase from the world rebellious hatred.
Slavery and captivity is over.
To the star of liberty,
Let us renew the solidarity
Of nations in fraternity.