Mauritius
Motherland
1968
1968
Jean Georges Prosper
Philippe Gentil
🤝 Unity ☮ Peace ❤ Love of homeland ✝ God / Faith 🕊 Freedom |
Key Facts
- 1. Philippe Gentil, the composer, was a Catholic priest and music teacher, which gives the melody a hymn-like quality with organ-friendly harmonies.
- 2. Mauritius is the only African country where Hinduism is the most practiced religion, yet the anthem uses no religious references, deliberately keeping it secular for the multi-faith population.
- 3. The anthem was chosen from entries in a pre-independence competition, and Jean Georges Prosper later became one of Mauritius' most celebrated poets, writing extensively in both English and Creole.
Lyrics
Glory to thee, Motherland,
O motherland of mine.
Sweet is thy beauty,
Sweet is thy fragrance,
Around thee we gather
As one people,
As one nation,
In peace, justice and liberty.
Beloved country,
May God bless thee
For ever and ever.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialAdopted in 1968 upon independence from Britain. Written by Jean Georges Prosper with music by Philippe Gentil. The anthem emphasizes unity among the diverse ethnic groups of Mauritius, which includes people of Indian, African, Chinese, and European descent.