The national anthem of Vanuatu is called: « Yumi, Yumi, Yumi ».
Continent: Oceania
In the same continent: 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇫🇲 Micronesia (Federated States of), 🇳🇷 Nauru, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇼🇸 Samoa, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, 🇹🇴 Tonga, 🇹🇻 Tuvalu
History of « Yumi, Yumi, Yumi »
« Yumi, Yumi, Yumi » (We, We, We) is the national anthem of Vanuatu. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1980: The lyrics and music for « Yumi, Yumi, Yumi » were composed by François Vincent Ayssav, a Vanuatuan pastor and musician.
- 1980: The anthem was officially adopted on July 30, 1980, coinciding with Vanuatu’s declaration of independence from joint British and French colonial rule.
Anecdotes
- Independence Celebration: « Yumi, Yumi, Yumi » was first performed during the independence celebrations on July 30, 1980. The anthem marked a significant moment in the history of Vanuatu, symbolizing the country’s newfound sovereignty and national pride.
- Composer’s Legacy: François Vincent Ayssav, the composer of the anthem, is celebrated for his contributions to the music and culture of Vanuatu. His composition for the anthem is considered one of his most significant works, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the Vanuatuan people.
- Cultural Significance: « Yumi, Yumi, Yumi » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Vanuatuan people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Vanuatuans.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Bislama
Yumi, yumi, yumi i glat blong talem se
Yumi, yumi, yumi ol man blong Vanuatu
God i givim ples ia long yumi,
Yumi glat tumas long hem,
Yumi strong mo yumi fri long hem,
Yumi brata evriwan!
Yumi, yumi, yumi i glat blong talem se
Yumi, yumi, yumi ol man blong Vanuatu.Translated in English
We, we, we are happy to proclaim
We, we, we are the people of Vanuatu
God has given us this land,
We are very happy with it,
We are strong and we are free in it,
We are all brothers!
We, we, we are happy to proclaim
We, we, we are the people of Vanuatu.Sources: