Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu
"Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (English: "O God, of all Creation", lit. '"O God, our strength"') is the national anthem of Kenya.
| English: O God, of all Creation | |
|---|---|
National anthem of  Kenya | |
| Lyrics | Graham Hyslop, G. W. Senoga-Zake, Thomas Kalume, Peter Kibukosya, Washington Omondi, 1963 |
| Music | Collectively, 1963 |
| Adopted | 1963 |
| Audio sample | |
"Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (instrumental)
| |
History
"Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu"'s lyrics were originally written in Kiswahili, the national language of Kenya. Unlike some other countries' national anthems which were written or composed by foreigners, the Kenyan national anthem was prepared by local people. The commission included five members and was headed by the Kenya Music Adviser. It was based on a traditional tune sung by Pokomo mothers to their children.[1]
It is notable for being one of the first national anthems to be specifically commissioned as such. It was written by the Kenyan Anthem Commission in 1963 to serve as the state anthem after independence from the United Kingdom.[2] It was expected that the lyrics would express the deepest convictions and the highest aspirations of the people as a whole.[1]
Lyrics
| Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu | ||
|---|---|---|
| Swahili lyrics | English lyrics | Literal English translation |
| First stanza | ||
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu |
O God of all creation
Bless this our land and nation Justice be our shield and defender May we dwell in unity Peace and liberty Plenty be found within our borders.
|
O God our strength |
| Second stanza | ||
Amkeni ndugu zetu |
Let one and all arise
With hearts both strong and true Service be our earnest endeavour And our homeland of Kenya Heritage and splendour Firm may we stand to defend. |
Awake, our brethren; |
| Third stanza | ||
Natujenge taifa letu |
Let all with one accord
In common bond united Build this our nation together And the glory of Kenya The fruit of our labour Fill every heart with thanksgiving. |
Let's build our nation |
During the Olympics, only first and third stanza instrumental was used.
References
- "Selecting Kenya's National Anthem". Archived from the original on 2014-08-29. Retrieved 2016-07-31. Selecting Kenya's National Anthem
- "Kenya - Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu - National Anthems of the World from NationalAnthems.me". Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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