"" ("Rallying Song"), also known as "" ("O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers"), is the national anthem of Cameroon and former national anthem of French Cameroon.
History The song was composed in 1928 by René Jam Afane who also wrote the lyrics along with and Moïse Nyatte Nko'o, all while they were students at the École Normale of . It was used on an unofficial basis in French Cameroon beginning in 1948 before independence and officially adopted as the anthem of the territory in 1957. In 1960, the anthem was officially adopted by the new Republic of Cameroon.
In 1961, upon the accession of the former British Southern Cameroons to the Republic of Cameroon, an English version was written by Bernard Nsokika Fonlon, which was later officially adopted in 1978. In 1970, the French lyrics were changed to remove some words such as ("barbarianism") and ("savagery"), reference to France and the United Kingdom.
Lyrics The first verse and chorus are considered to be the official lyrics and are most frequently played at important occasions.
Current lyrics (1970–present) French versionEnglish translation of French versionEnglish versionI O Cameroon, cradle of our ancestors, Go, upright and protective of your freedom. Like a sun, your proud flag must be An ardent symbol of faith and unity. May all your children, from North to South From East to West, be all love, May serving you be their only goal To fulfil their duty always.
Dear Fatherland, cherished land, You are our one and true happiness. Our joy and our life To you, love and great honour.
II You are the grave where our fathers sleep, The garden that our ancestors have cultivated. We work to make you prosperous One fine day we will finally get there. Be Africa's faithful child And always progress in peace Hoping that your young children Will love you without bounds forever.I O Cameroon, Thou Cradle of our Fathers, Holy Shrine where in our midst they now repose, Their tears and blood and sweat thy soil did water, On thy hills and valleys once their tillage rose. Dear Fatherland, thy worth no tongue can tell! How can we ever pay thy due? Thy welfare we will win in toil and love and peace, Will be to thy name ever true!
Land of Promise, land of Glory! Thou, of life and joy, our only store! Thine be honour, thine devotion, And deep endearment, for evermore.
II From Shari, from where the Mungo meanders From along the banks of lowly Boumba Stream, Muster thy sons in union close around thee, Mighty as the Buea Mountain be their team; Instil in them the love of gentle ways, Regret for errors of the past; Foster, for Mother Africa, a loyalty That true shall remain to the last.
In local languages The anthem has also been translated into several local languages.
Ewondo lyrics Adamawa Fulfulde lyrics Ghomala lyrics
Former lyrics (1957–1970) French lyricsEnglish translationI O Cameroon, cradle of our ancestors, You once lived in barbarism, Like a sun, you start to appear, Little by little you come out of your savagery, May all your children, from North to South From East to West, be all love, May serving you be our only goal To fulfil their duty always.
Dear Fatherland, dear land, You are our unique and true happiness. Our joy and our life To you, love and great honour.
II You are the grave where our fathers sleep, The garden that our ancestors have cultivated. We work to make you prosperous One fine day we will finally get there. Be Africa's faithful child And always progress in peace Hoping that your young children Will love you without bounds forever.
Notes
References
External links Cameroon: O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers - Audio of the national anthem of Cameroon, with information and lyrics (archive link) 'Chant de Ralliement'/'The Rallying Song' MIDI