The national anthem of Congo (Democratic Republic of) is called: « Debout Congolais ».
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries:
– 🇦🇴 Angola
– 🇧🇮 Burundi
– 🇨🇫 Central African Republic
– 🇨🇬 Congo
– 🇷🇼 Rwanda
– 🇸🇸 South Sudan
– 🇹🇿 Tanzania (United Republic of)
– 🇺🇬 Uganda
– 🇿🇲 Zambia
History of « Debout Congolais »
« Debout Congolais » (Arise Congolese) is the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1960: The lyrics and music for « Debout Congolais » were composed by Joseph Lutumba, a Congolese poet and musician.
- 1960: The anthem was officially adopted on June 30, 1960, coinciding with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s declaration of independence from Belgian colonial rule.
- 1971-1997: During the period when the country was known as Zaire, the anthem was replaced by « La Zaïroise. » « Debout Congolais » was reinstated as the national anthem in 1997.
Anecdotes
- Independence Celebration: « Debout Congolais » was first performed during the independence celebrations on June 30, 1960. The anthem marked a significant moment in the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, symbolizing the country’s newfound sovereignty and national pride.
- Temporary Replacement: From 1971 to 1997, the anthem was replaced by « La Zaïroise » during the rule of Mobutu Sese Seko, who renamed the country Zaire. After Mobutu’s fall, « Debout Congolais » was reinstated, symbolizing a return to the country’s original identity.
- Cultural Significance: « Debout Congolais » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Congolese people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Congolese.
Lyrics Excerpt
In French
Debout Congolais,
Unis par le sort,
Unis dans l'effort pour l'indépendance,
Dressons nos fronts, longtemps courbés,
Et pour de bon prenons le plus bel élan, dans la paix.
Ô peuple ardent et fier,
Prenons l'élan sacré vers l'avenir,
Pour de bon prenons le plus bel élan, dans la paix.
Soudés par l'effort, dans l'unité,
Respectant le droit, dans la paix,
Soudés par l'effort et dans l'unité,
Respectant le droit, nous bâtirons un pays plus beau qu'avant,
Dans la paix.Translated in English
Arise, Congolese,
United by fate,
United in the effort for independence,
Let us raise our heads, long bowed,
And for good, let us take the greatest leap, in peace.
O ardent and proud people,
Let us take the sacred leap towards the future,
For good, let us take the greatest leap, in peace.
United in effort, in unity,
Respecting the law, in peace,
United in effort and in unity,
Respecting the law, we will build a country more beautiful than before,
In peace.Sources: