"" () is the national anthem of Côte d'Ivoire, adopted under law number 60–207 on 27 July 1960. It takes the form of a lyric poem, expressing patriotism and values such as hope, peace, dignity, and "true brotherhood".

History

thumb|The anthem performed on 12 October 1992 by the Ivorian Military Orchestra in front of President [[Félix Houphouët-Boigny|Felix Houphouët-Boigny before the inauguration of the armies museum]]

Adopted in 1960 at the country's independence, "" remains the national anthem of Côte d'Ivoire, though the de jure capital is now Yamoussoukro, while Abidjan remains the economic capital and retains some political functions. This hymn is strongly tinged with patriotism and influenced by religion. The lyrics are from ministers Mathieu Vangah Ekra and Joachim Bony. The music was composed by abbots Pierre-Marie Coty and Pierre-Michel Pango, taking "La Marseillaise" as a model.

Between 2007 and 2009, under the leadership of Laurent Gbagbo, there was a proposal to replace "" with a different song, "" as the national anthem. This Ode was composed in 2002 after the start of the Ivorian civil war, and was selected by contest in 2003. "" was sung by supporters of the now former head of state and broadcast on the RTI's television network instead of "" until 2007, even though the latter remained, according to the constitution, the country's national anthem. However, the proposal was eventually dropped.

Lyrics

{| class="wikitable"

!French original (official)

!Nouchi lyrics (by Nash du Gbonhi)

!English translation

|- style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"

|<poem></poem>

|<poem></poem>

|<poem>I

We salute you, O land of hope,

Country of hospitality;

Thy full gallant legions

Have restored thy dignity.

Beloved Ivory Coast, thy sons,

Proud builders of thy greatness,

All gathered together for thy glory,

In joy will we construct thee.

Proud Ivorians, the country calls us.

If we have brought back liberty peacefully,

It will be our duty to be an example

Of the hope promised to humanity,

In building, united in the new faith

The homeland of true brotherhood.

II

To you, noble Ivory Coast,

O great country of good people!

We bring in victory,

The homage of our ardent hearts.

In the friendship of the brotherly peoples,

God guides us to the ideal,

Subject to the motto:

Union labor discipline.

For your greatness, rich and noble homeland,

We will walk forward, full of love and full of faith.

From united hearts, during our life,

We will work in honor for the just right,

Of hearts united during our life,

With your calls we will all be present.

III

To all our fellow travelers,

At the dawn of this fallen day,

So that there is no longer any doubt,

But faith, fraternity.

To all our elite battalions,

In the tomb today,

O whole people repetitions:

Love, honor, fidelity.

IV

And let your flag unite us,

May your love strengthen us,

Because for you alone we want to live,

And for you fight and die.

And you, proud and noble youth,

From all known horizons,

Always follow this wisdom,

of our elders who are no more.

V

To us, which animates hope,

In your bright future,

Always restore the insurance,

To lead us into happy people.

And we will go around the world,

Sow your name and your benefits,

By clamoring on all the waves,

That on your soil reigns peace.

</poem>

|}

Notes

References

Further reading

  • , Lumière sur l'Abidjanaise : l'hymne national, CEDA, 2000,
  • The Republic's symbols on the Ivorian presidency's website
  • Video of the Song of Abidjan, sung in its entirety