The national anthem of Burkina Faso is called: « Une Seule Nuit ».
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries:
– 🇧🇯 Benin
– 🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire
– 🇲🇱 Mali
– 🇳🇪 Niger
– 🇹🇬 Togo
History of « Une Seule Nuit »
« Une Seule Nuit » (One Single Night) is the national anthem of Burkina Faso. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its revolutionary spirit, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1984: The lyrics and music for « Une Seule Nuit » were composed by Thomas Sankara, the then-President of Burkina Faso, who was a revolutionary leader and a key figure in the country’s history.
- 1984: It was officially adopted on August 2, 1984, following the country’s name change from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means « Land of Upright People. »
Anecdotes
- Revolutionary Origins: « Une Seule Nuit » was composed during a period of significant political and social change in Burkina Faso. Thomas Sankara, known for his revolutionary ideals, wrote the anthem to inspire a sense of national pride and unity among the people.
- Symbol of Change: The adoption of the anthem coincided with the renaming of the country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso. This change was part of Sankara’s broader efforts to break from the colonial past and forge a new national identity.
- Cultural Significance: « Une Seule Nuit » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Burkinabé people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Burkinabé.
Lyrics Excerpt
In French
Contre la férule humiliante il y a déjà mille ans,
La rapacité venue de loin les asservir il y a cent ans.
Contre la cynique malice métamorphosée
En leurs propres frères.
Et seuls les échos de nos chants
Ont pu étouffer les clameurs
Des barbares, des grands prédateurs.
Et l'œuvre de leurs mains
A réhabilité notre dignité,
Et pour la prospérité
Fabriqué la liberté et la paix.
Patrie ou la mort, nous vaincrons!Translated in English
Against the humiliating bondage imposed on us for a thousand years,
Against the cynical malice of those who came from afar to enslave us for a hundred years,
Against the deceitful malice that has metamorphosed into our own brothers.
And only the echoes of our songs
Were able to stifle the cries
Of the barbarians and the great predators.
And the work of their hands
Has restored our dignity,
And for prosperity
Created freedom and peace.
Fatherland or death, we shall overcome!Sources: