The title of the Kenya National Anthem is “Oh God of All Creation” or in Swahili: “Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu”.
Like to hear it? Turn up the volume and just click on the vid below... and I'll use my Evil Eye to see if you salute :-)
The National Anthem in English:
“Oh 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.
Let one and all arise With hearts both strong and true Service be our earnest endeavour And our homeland of Kenya Heritage of splendour Firm may we stand to defend.
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.”
And In Swahili:
“Ee Mungu nguvu yetu Ilete baraka kwetu Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi Natukae na undugu Amani na uhuru Raha tupate na ustawi.
Amkeni ndugu zetu Tufanye sote bidii Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu Nchi yetu ya Kenya Tunayoipenda Tuwe tayari kuilinda
Natujenge taifa letu Ee, ndio wajibu wetu Kenya istahili heshima Tuungane mikono Pamoja kazini Kila siku tuwe na shukrani.”
The national anthem became official in 1963, the date of Kenya’s independence. The words were written by a commission appointed by the government, consisting of Thomas Kalume, Washington Omondi, Peter Kibukosya, George Senoga-Zake and Graham Hyslop.
The task given to them by the government was to select a tune that took into account the traditional music of Kenya, which would both have dignity and also lend itself to harmonisation and orchestration for performance by orchestras and military bands. The music would also have to fit both the English and Swahili lyrics.
Tunes from many parts of the country were considered. The final choice was a tune sung by mothers for their children from Pokomo country.
The lyrics were meant to establish a common identity for Kenyans from all tribes and to express convictions held deeply by all of them.
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