South Sudan National Anthem
South Sudan Oyee!
2011
2011
A collective of 49 poets
Students and teachers of the University of Juba
🗽 Independence 🤝 Unity ✝ God / Faith 🚩 Flag 🏺 Ancestors / Heritage |
Key Facts
- 1. The 'Oyee!' in the title is a cheer equivalent to 'Hooray!', which South Sudan's army, the SSPDF, has also used as its slogan.
- 2. The anthem committee launched its competition in August 2010, six months before the independence referendum; the music was chosen over three rounds, in a contest the BBC likened to a Sudanese-style X Factor.
- 3. The version sung in January 2011 praised God's grace upon 'Cush', the ancient kingdom named in the Bible, and saluted 'black warriors'; the official text speaks instead of 'South Sudan, land of great abundance' and of 'great patriots'.
South Sudan National Anthem 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 God, bless 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 words were written in 2010 by a collective of 49 poets, and the music was chosen through a national competition won by students and teachers of the University of Juba.
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Sources & References
- National Anthem . Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan, Washington DC
- South Sudan National Anthem (BoSS Official Magazine, 21st edition, p. 4) . Bank of South Sudan (2026)
Source & Review
- Source status
- Embassy or ministry verified
- Translation
- Nationalia working translation
- Rights status
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- Last reviewed
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- Pending
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- Nationalia
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