The national anthem of Sierra Leone is called: « High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free ».
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries:
– 🇬🇳 Guinea
– 🇱🇷 Liberia
History of « High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free »
« High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free » is the national anthem of Sierra Leone. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1961: The lyrics of the anthem were written by Clifford Nelson Fyle, a Sierra Leonean linguist and educator. The music was composed by John Akar, a Sierra Leonean cultural icon and diplomat. The anthem was officially adopted on April 27, 1961, the same day Sierra Leone gained independence from British colonial rule.
Anecdotes
- Independence Celebration: « High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free » was first performed during the celebrations of Sierra Leone’s independence on April 27, 1961. The anthem marked a significant moment in the history of Sierra Leone, symbolizing the country’s newfound sovereignty and national pride.
- Composer’s Legacy: John Akar, the composer, was a significant figure in Sierra Leone’s cultural scene. He was not only a composer but also a playwright, broadcaster, and diplomat. His composition for the anthem is considered one of his most significant works.
- Lyricist’s Contribution: Clifford Nelson Fyle, the lyricist, was a prominent linguist and educator who contributed significantly to the development of Sierra Leone’s educational system. His words reflect the aspirations and pride of the Sierra Leonean people.
- Cultural Significance: The anthem is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Sierra Leonean people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among the people of Sierra Leone.
Full Lyrics
In English
High we exalt thee, realm of the free;
Great is the love we have for thee;
Firmly united ever we stand,
Singing thy praise, O native land.
We raise up our hearts and our voices on high,
The hills and the valleys re-echo our cry;
Blessing and peace be ever thine own,
Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.
One with a faith that wisdom inspires,
One with a zeal that never tires;
Ever we seek to honour thy name,
Ours is the labour, thine the fame.
We pray that no harm on thy children may fall,
That blessing and peace may descend on us all;
So may we serve thee ever alone,
Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.
Knowledge and truth our forefathers spread,
Mighty the nations whom they led;
Mighty they made thee, so too may we
Show forth the good that is ever in thee.
We pledge our devotion, our strength and our might,
Thy cause to defend and to stand for thy right;
All that we have be ever thine own,
Land that we love, our Sierra Leone.Translated in Krio
Wi de es yu ɔp, wi de rul di wan dɛn we fri;
Di lɔv we wi gɛt fɔ yu rili big;
Wi de tinap tranga wan ɔltɛm,
Siŋ yu prez yu, O nativ land.
Wi de es wi at ɛn wi vɔys ɔp ɔp,
Di il ɛn di vali dɛn de mek wi kray bak;
Yu yon blɛsin ɛn pis de sote go,
Land we wi lɛk, wi Siera Liɔn.
Wan we gɛt fet we gɛt sɛns,
Wan we gɛt zil we nɔ de taya;
Wi de tray fɔ ɔnɔ yu nem ɔltɛm,
Wi yon na di wok, na yu yon di fame.
Wi de pre mek no bad tin we go apin to yu pikin dɛn,
Dat blɛsin ɛn pis go kam dɔŋ pan wi ɔl;
So mek wi de sav yu wan de sote go,
Land we wi lɛk, wi Siera Liɔn.
Wi fɔstɛm pipul dɛn bin de skata di no ɛn di trut,
Matiful di neshɔn dɛn we dɛn bin de lid;
Dɛn mek yu pawaful, ɛn wisɛf go mek yu gɛt pawa
Sho di gud tin dɛn we de insay yu ɔltɛm.
Wi de prɔmis wi devoshɔn, wi trɛnk ɛn wi trɛnk,
Yu kes fɔ difend ɛn tinap fɔ yu rayt;
Ɔl wetin wi gɛt na yu yon ɔltɛm,
Land we wi lɛk, wi Siera Liɔn.Sources: