The national anthem of Zambia is called: « Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free ».
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries:
– 🇦🇴 Angola
– 🇧🇼 Botswana
– 🇨🇩 Congo (Democratic Republic of)
– 🇲🇼 Malawi
– 🇲🇿 Mozambique
– 🇹🇿 Tanzania (United Republic of)
– 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe
History of « Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free »
« Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free » is the national anthem of Zambia. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1964: 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 adaptation was done by a Zambian national anthem committee. The anthem was officially adopted on October 24, 1964, the same day Zambia gained independence from British colonial rule.
Anecdotes
- Adaptation from a Hymn: The melody of « Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free » is based on « Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, » a hymn that has been adopted by several African countries as their national anthem or part of it, including South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. This reflects the pan-African spirit and the shared struggle for independence across the continent.
- National Anthem Committee: The adaptation of the lyrics was carried out by a committee specifically formed to create a national anthem for the newly independent Zambia. This committee included prominent Zambian figures who aimed to create an anthem that would inspire national pride and unity.
- Cultural Significance: The anthem is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Zambian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among the people of Zambia.
- Symbol of Unity: The lyrics of the anthem emphasize unity, peace, and progress, reflecting the aspirations of the Zambian people as they embarked on their journey as an independent nation. The anthem serves as a reminder of the country’s history and the sacrifices made by its forefathers.
Full Lyrics
In English
Stand and sing of Zambia, proud and free,
Land of work and joy in unity,
Victors in the struggle for the right,
We’ve won freedom’s fight.
All one, strong and free.
Africa is our own motherland,
Fashioned with and blessed by God’s good hand,
Let us all her people join as one,
Brothers under the sun,
All one, strong and free.
One land and one nation is our cry,
Dignity and peace ’neath Zambia’s sky
Like our noble eagle in its flight,
Zambia, praise to thee.
All one, strong and free.
Praise be to God.
Praise be, praise be, praise be,
Bless our great nation,
Zambia, Zambia, Zambia.
Free men we stand
Under the flag of our land.
Zambia, praise to thee.
All one, strong and free.Sources: