The national anthem of Fiji is called: « Meda Dau Doka ».
Continent: Oceania
In the same continent: 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇫🇲 Micronesia (Federated States of), 🇳🇷 Nauru, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇼🇸 Samoa, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, 🇹🇴 Tonga, 🇹🇻 Tuvalu, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu
History of « Meda Dau Doka »
« Meda Dau Doka » (Let Us Show Respect) is the national anthem of Fiji. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1911: The music for the anthem was composed by Charles Austin Miles, an American hymn composer, originally for the hymn « Dwelling in Beulah Land. »
- 1970: The Fijian lyrics were written by Michael Francis Alexander Prescott, a Fijian civil servant and poet.
- 1970: The anthem was officially adopted on October 10, 1970, coinciding with Fiji’s declaration of independence from British colonial rule.
Anecdotes
- Dual Language Anthem: « Meda Dau Doka » is unique in that it has both Fijian and English versions, reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage and linguistic diversity. The English version is titled « God Bless Fiji. »
- Independence Celebration: The anthem was first performed during the independence celebrations on October 10, 1970. The anthem marked a significant moment in the history of Fiji, symbolizing the country’s newfound sovereignty and national pride.
- Cultural Significance: « Meda Dau Doka » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Fijian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Fijians.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Fijian
Meda dau doka ka vinakata
Na lotu kei na vanua;
Me bula ga ko Viti
Ka me toro ga ki liu;
Me ra turaga vinaka
Kina noda matanitu;
Me ra liutaki na lewenivanua
E na lomana kei na doka.
Me da dau doka ka vinakata
Na lotu kei na vanua;
Me bula ga ko Viti
Ka me toro ga ki liu;
Me ra turaga vinaka
Kina noda matanitu;
Me ra liutaki na lewenivanua
E na lomana kei na doka.Translated in English
Let us show respect and love
For our religion and our land;
May Fiji live on
And progress onward;
May our leaders be honorable
In our government;
May they lead our people
With love and dignity.
Let us show respect and love
For our religion and our land;
May Fiji live on
And progress onward;
May our leaders be honorable
In our government;
May they lead our people
With love and dignity.Sources: