"" (; ) was the national anthem of Zaire, from 1971 to 1997. The lyrics were written by Joseph Lutumba, and the music was composed by Simon-Pierre Boka, the same person who wrote Debout Congolais.
Lyrics Official lyrics French originalEnglish translationZairians, in the newfound peace, United people, we are Zairians; Moving forward, proud and dignified. Great people, free people forever.
Tricoloured flag, light in us the sacred flame, In order to always build a beautiful country, 𝄆 Around the majestic river. 𝄇
Tricoloured flag in the wind, revive the ideal, Which links us to our ancestors and our children, 𝄆 Peace, justice, and labour. 𝄇
In local languages Kikongo lyricsLingala lyricsSwahili lyricsTshiluba lyrics
Modern usage
Zaire's national anthem has been used by the National Congress for the Defence of the People, a Congolese militia, and has been used during protests against Félix Tshisekedi in 2020, mostly by Mobutists.
The self-proclaimed, New Zaire Government in Exile, which tried to overthrow the Congolese government in May 2024, uses the national flag and anthem of Zaire.
The Republic of Molossia, a self-declared micronation in the United States of America, uses the melody of La Zaïroise in its own national anthem, Fair Molossia Is Our Home.
See also "Debout Congolais", the current national anthem of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
References
External links Zaire: La Zaïroise - Audio of the national anthem of Zaire, with information and lyrics (archive link)