“Le Lion rouge” or “The Red Lion,” also known as “Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons” which translates to “Everyone strum your koras, strike the balafons,” stands tall as the national anthem of Senegal. With its adoption dating back to 1960, this anthem resonates with the nation’s journey to sovereignty and unity.
Senegal national anthem Lyrics
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.
Development
The profound lyrics of Senegal’s national anthem were penned by none other than Léopold Sédar Senghor, a notable figure who ascended to become Senegal’s first president. The anthem’s melodious composition is attributed to the French maestro Herbert Pepper, renowned for crafting not only Senegal’s anthem but also the anthem of the Central African Republic, titled “La Renaissance.” At the heart of this anthem’s cultural identity lie two distinct Senegalese musical instruments: the enchanting kora, a harp-like instrument, and the rhythmic balafon, a wooden xylophone.
Senegal’s path to independence unfurled in June 1960 through a federation with Mali, aptly named the Mali Federation. During this period, the federation’s anthem, “Un Hymne du Mali” or “A Song of Mali,” echoed through the airwaves. However, this musical union was short-lived, dissolving within two months. As Mali embarked on its solo journey to independence, the need for a new anthem arose for Senegal. A fresh composition emerged, carefully crafted by a French composer. Strikingly, the lyrics of the federation’s anthem, attributed to Senegal’s first president, endured with subtle modifications.
The reference to “koras” and “balafons” in the anthem’s title and opening verse roots the melody in the nation’s cultural soundscape. These instruments are not only integral to Senegal’s musical heritage but also find their place in the performance of the national anthem, infusing it with authenticity and tradition.
Senegal Flag
The Senegal flag narrates a vivid story of unity, hope, and resilience. Following the dissolution of the federation with Mali, Senegal chose to retain the flag’s colors while introducing a green star at its center. This star symbolizes unity and a shared aspiration for a brighter future.
The flag’s green hue embodies the nation’s optimism for unhindered progress, while the yellow stripe represents the fertile land and the prosperity born from collective toil. The red segment serves as a poignant tribute to the martyrs and the collective struggle of African nations for emancipation. Beyond this, red also serves as a symbol of life and socialism.
The Senegal flag, adopted on June 20, 1960, unfurls three vertical bands of equal width: green on the hoist side, yellow in the middle, and red on the fly side. The inclusion of a small green five-pointed star, perfectly centered within the yellow stripe, further elevates the flag’s significance. Its colors are a nod to the popular pan-African palette, with ties to Ethiopia’s national colors.
FAQ from Google People Also Ask
Q1: What is the meaning of Senegal’s national anthem?
Senegal’s national anthem encapsulates themes of unity, hope, and the nation’s journey to independence. The title, “The Red Lion,” signifies strength and resilience, while the mention of “koras” and “balafons” invokes Senegal’s musical heritage.
Q2: Who composed Senegal’s national anthem?
The music of Senegal’s national anthem was composed by Herbert Pepper, a renowned French composer, while the lyrics were written by Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal’s first president and a prominent poet.
Q3: What do the colors of the Senegal flag represent?
The Senegal flag’s colors hold significance: green represents progress, yellow symbolizes fertile land, and red signifies the struggle for independence and socialism. The green star at the center represents unity and aspiration.
Q4: How were the kora and balafon used in the anthem?
The anthem’s title and opening verse refer to these traditional Senegalese instruments. While they might not be directly used in anthem performances, their mention establishes a cultural connection to the music.
Conclusion
“Le Lion rouge,” the Senegal national anthem, stands not just as a musical composition but as an embodiment of the nation’s history, culture, and aspirations. Crafted by visionaries, the anthem’s lyrics and melody intertwine, symbolizing unity, resilience, and the pursuit of independence. From the artistic prowess of Léopold Sédar Senghor and Herbert Pepper to the cultural resonance of the kora and balafon, Senegal’s anthem is a celebration of identity.
The Senegal flag, with its harmonious colors and meaningful star, further illustrates the nation’s journey towards unity and hope. Through the lens of its anthem and flag, Senegal’s spirit shines brightly, narrating a tale of a nation’s unwavering pursuit of progress, freedom, and collective
