South Sudan
South Sudan Oyee!
2011
2011
Students of the University of Juba
Students of the University of Juba
🗽 Independence 🤝 Unity ✝ God / Faith 🚩 Flag 🏺 Ancestors / Heritage |
Key Facts
- 1. The exclamation 'Oyee!' in the title is a celebratory shout used across many South Sudanese ethnic groups, functioning similarly to 'Hooray!' and often chanted at rallies and gatherings.
- 2. South Sudan's anthem had to be written, composed, and officially adopted within a matter of months before the independence date, making it one of the fastest anthem creation processes in modern history.
- 3. The anthem is performed in English rather than Arabic (the official language of neighboring Sudan), a deliberate choice that symbolizes South Sudan's break from the north.
Lyrics
Oh God!
We praise and glorify you
For your grace on South Sudan,
Land of great abundance,
Uphold us united in peace and harmony.
Oh motherland!
We rise raising flag with the guiding star
And sing songs of freedom with joy,
For justice, liberty, and prosperity
Shall forever more reign.
Oh great patriots!
Let us stand up in silence and respect,
Saluting our martyrs whose blood
Cemented our national foundation,
We vow to protect our nation.
Oh South Sudan! Oh South Sudan! Oh South Sudan!
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialAdopted on July 9, 2011, the day South Sudan officially became the world's newest independent nation after decades of civil war with Sudan. The anthem was written by students at the University of Juba and selected through a national competition.