Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu
Encyclopedia
Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu is the national anthem
of Kenya
. It was originally composed in Swahili
, the national language. Kenya's 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. The anthem is notable for being one of the first national anthems to be specifically commissioned. It was written by the Kenyan Anthem Commission in 1963 to serve as the Kenyan national anthem after independence from Britain.
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
of Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
. It was originally composed in Swahili
Swahili language
Swahili or Kiswahili is a Bantu language spoken by various ethnic groups that inhabit several large stretches of the Mozambique Channel coastline from northern Kenya to northern Mozambique, including the Comoro Islands. It is also spoken by ethnic minority groups in Somalia...
, the national language. Kenya's 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. The anthem is notable for being one of the first national anthems to be specifically commissioned. It was written by the Kenyan Anthem Commission in 1963 to serve as the Kenyan national anthem after independence from Britain.
Lyrics and translation
| Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu | |
|---|---|
| Swahili lyrics | English translation |
| First stanza | |
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu Ilete baraka kwetu Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi Natukae kwa Undugu Amani na uhuru Raha tupate na ustawi. |
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. |
| Second stanza | |
Amkeni ndugu zetu Tufanye sote bidii Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu Nchi yetu ya Kenya Tunayoipenda Tuwe tayari kuilinda |
Let one and all arise With hearts both strong and true Service be our earnest endeavour And our homeland of Kenya The heritage of splendour Firm may we stand to defend |
| Third stanza | |
Natujenge taifa letu Ee, ndio wajibu wetu Kenya istahili heshima Tuungane mikono Pamoja kazini Kila siku tuwe na shukrani |
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. |