The national anthem of Tanzania is called: « Mungu ibariki Afrika ».
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries:
– 🇧🇮 Burundi
– 🇰🇪 Kenya
– 🇲🇼 Malawi
– 🇲🇿 Mozambique
– 🇷🇼 Rwanda
– 🇺🇬 Uganda
History of « Mungu ibariki Afrika »
« Mungu ibariki Afrika » (God Bless Africa) is the national anthem of Tanzania. 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 adapted from the hymn « Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, » originally composed by Enoch Sontonga, a Xhosa clergyman and poet, in 1897. The Swahili adaptation was done by Tanzania’s first President, Julius Nyerere. The anthem was officially adopted in 1961, the same year Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania) gained independence from British colonial rule on December 9, 1961.
Anecdotes
- Pan-African Anthem: « Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, » the original hymn, has been adopted by several African countries as their national anthem or part of it, including South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This reflects the pan-African spirit and the shared struggle for independence across the continent.
- Julius Nyerere’s Contribution: Julius Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania, played a significant role in adapting the lyrics into Swahili. His adaptation helped to make the anthem more accessible and meaningful to the Tanzanian people, emphasizing unity and national pride.
- Cultural Significance: The anthem is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Tanzanian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among the people of Tanzania.
- Symbol of Unity: The anthem’s lyrics emphasize unity, peace, and progress, reflecting the aspirations of the Tanzanian people as they embarked on their journey as an independent nation. The use of Swahili, a unifying language in Tanzania, further underscores the importance of national cohesion.
Full Lyrics
In Swahili
Mungu ibariki Afrika
Wabariki viongozi wake
Hekima, umoja na amani
Hizi ni ngao zetu
Afrika na watu wake.
Ibariki Afrika, ibariki Afrika
Tubariki watoto wa Afrika
Mungu ibariki Tanzania
Dumisha uhuru na umoja
Wake kwa waume na watoto
Mungu ibariki Tanzania na watu wake.
Ibariki Tanzania, ibariki Tanzania
Tubariki watoto wa Tanzania.Translated in English
God bless Africa
Bless its leaders
Wisdom, unity, and peace
These are our shields
Africa and its people.
Bless Africa, bless Africa
Bless the children of Africa
God bless Tanzania
Preserve freedom and unity
His sons and daughters
God bless Tanzania and its people.
Bless Tanzania, bless Tanzania
Bless the children of Tanzania.Sources: