National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire

The national anthem of Côte d’Ivoire is called: « L’Abidjanaise ».

Continent: Africa

Bordering Countries:
– 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
– 🇬🇭 Ghana
– 🇬🇳 Guinea
– 🇱🇷 Liberia
– 🇲🇱 Mali

History of « L’Abidjanaise »

« L’Abidjanaise » (The Song of Abidjan) is the national anthem of Côte d’Ivoire. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1959: The lyrics of the anthem were written by Mathieu Ekra, Joachim Bony, and Pierre Marie Coty, three Ivorian writers and nationalists.
  • 1959: The music was composed by Pierre Michel Pango, an Ivorian composer.
  • 1960: The anthem was officially adopted on August 7, 1960, coinciding with Côte d’Ivoire’s declaration of independence from French colonial rule.

Anecdotes

  • Pre-Independence Composition: « L’Abidjanaise » was composed in 1959, a year before the country gained independence. The anthem was created to inspire a sense of national pride and unity among Ivorians as they approached independence.
  • Collaborative Effort: The lyrics were a collaborative effort by three prominent Ivorian figures—Mathieu Ekra, Joachim Bony, and Pierre Marie Coty. Their combined efforts reflect the collective aspirations of the Ivorian people for freedom and progress.
  • Cultural Significance: « L’Abidjanaise » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Ivorian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Ivorians.

Lyrics Excerpt

In French

Salut ô terre d'espérance;
Pays de l'hospitalité.
Tes légions remplies de vaillance
Ont relevé ta dignité.
Tes fils, chère Côte d'Ivoire,
Fiers artisans de ta grandeur,
Tous rassemblés pour ta gloire
Te bâtiront dans le bonheur.

Fiers Ivoiriens, le pays nous appelle.
Si nous avons dans la paix ramené la liberté,
Notre devoir sera d'être un modèle
De l'espérance promise à l'humanité,
En forgeant, unie dans la foi nouvelle,
La patrie de la vraie fraternité.

Translated in English

Hail, O land of hope;
Country of hospitality.
Your legions full of bravery
Have restored your dignity.
Your sons, dear Côte d'Ivoire,
Proud builders of your greatness,
All gathered for your glory
Will build you in happiness.

Proud Ivorians, the country calls us.
If we have brought back freedom in peace,
Our duty will be to be a model
Of the hope promised to humanity,
By forging, united in new faith,
The homeland of true brotherhood.

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