The national anthem of Senegal is called “Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons”. It was adopted on August 20, 1960, after Senegal gained independence from France. The lyrics of the national anthem were written by Leopold Sedar Senghor, the first President of Senegal and a renowned poet.
The music for the national anthem was composed by Herbert Pepper, an English composer, and the lyrics are written in French. The title of the national anthem, which translates to “Pluck Your Harps, Strike the Balafons,” refers to the traditional African instruments that are played in Senegal.
The lyrics of the national anthem express the hopes and aspirations of the Senegalese people for their country and the African continent as a whole. It calls for unity and freedom, as well as peace and prosperity. The national anthem is an important symbol of national identity in Senegal and is played and sung on various national and patriotic occasions.
Senegal national anthem
Pinch all your koras, hit the balafons.
The red lion roared.
The tamer of the bush
With a leap forward,
Dissipating the darkness.
Sun over our terrors, sun over our hope.
Rise up, brothers, here is Africa gathered together
Fibres of my green heart.
Shoulder to shoulder, my more than brothers,
O Senegalese, stand up!
Let’s unite the sea and the springs, let’s unite the steppe and the forest!
Hail Mother Africa.
Senegal, you son of the lion’s foam,
You came out of the night at the gallop of the horses,
Give us back, oh, give us back the honour of our ancestors,
Gorgeous like ebony and strong like muscle.
We say straight – the sword has not a burr.
Fibres of my green heart.
Shoulder to shoulder, my more than brothers,
O Senegalese, stand up!
Let’s unite the sea and the springs, let’s unite the steppe and the forest!
Hail Mother Africa.
Senegal, we make your grand design our own:
To gather the chicks in the shelter of the kites…
In fact, from east to west, from north to south,
Raised, one people, a seamless people
But a people turned towards all the winds of the world.
Fibres of my green heart.
Shoulder to shoulder, my more than brothers,
O Senegalese, get up!
Let’s unite the sea and the springs, let’s unite the steppe and the forest!
Hail Mother Africa.
Senegal, like you, like all our heroes,
We will be tough without hatred and with both arms open.
The sword, we will put it in the peace of the scabbard,
For work will be our weapon and our word.
The Bantu is a brother, and the Arab and the White.
Fibres of my green heart.
Shoulder to shoulder, my more than brothers,
O Senegalese, get up!
Let’s unite the sea and the springs, let’s unite the steppe and the forest!
Hail Mother Africa.
But what if the enemy burns our borders
We will all be trained and armed with guns in our hands:
A people in their faith defying all misfortune,
Young and old, men and women.
Death, yes! We say death, but not shame.
Fibres of my green heart.
Shoulder to shoulder, my more than brothers,
O Senegalese, get up!
Let’s unite the sea and the springs, let’s unite the steppe and the forest!
Hail Mother Africa.
FAQ | Senegal’s national anthem
What is the title of the Senegal’s national anthem?
Answer: The national anthem of Senegal is called “Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons”.
Who wrote the lyrics of the Senegal national anthem?
Answer: The lyrics of the Senegal national anthem were written by Léopold Sédar Senghor.
When was the Senegal national anthem officially adopted?
Answer: The Senegal national anthem was officially adopted on April 4, 1960.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics of the Senegal national anthem?
Answer: The lyrics of the Senegal national anthem express the unity and pride of the Senegalese people, their love for their country, and their desire for peace and prosperity.
Is the Senegal national anthem played during important events and ceremonies?
Answer: Yes, the Senegal national anthem is played during important events and ceremonies such as independence day celebrations, state visits, and military parades.
the national anthem of Senegal is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage, history, and aspirations for the future. It is a source of pride and inspiration for the Senegalese people and an important part of their national identity.
