Samoa National Anthem
O le Fu'a o le Sa'olotoga o Samoa
The Banner of Freedom
1948
1962
Sauni Iiga Kuresa
Sauni Iiga Kuresa
🚩 Flag ✝ God / Faith 🕊 Freedom 🏺 Ancestors / Heritage |
Key Facts
- 1. The song won a public competition and was first performed on June 1, 1948, while Samoa was still administered by New Zealand; it became the official national anthem at independence in 1962.
- 2. Sauni Iiga Kuresa, who wrote both the words and the music, was born in Fiji in 1900 and was known for being able to play two horns at the same time.
- 3. Under the Official Flag and National Anthem of Samoa Act 1994, anyone in a public place where the anthem is being sung or played must stand still until it ends, and drivers must stop their vehicles; showing disrespect during the anthem can be punished with a fine or up to six months in prison.
Samoa National Anthem Lyrics
Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Samoa, tula'i ma sisi ia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Vaai 'i na fetu o lo'ua agiagia ai:
Le faailoga lea o Iesu, na maliu ai mo Samoa.
Oi, Samoa e, uu mau lau pule ia faavavau.
'Aua e te fefe; o le Atua lo ta fa'avae, o lota sa'olotoga.
Samoa, tula'i: 'ua agiagia lau fu'a, lou pale lea!
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialWritten and composed by Sauni Iiga Kuresa, the anthem was adopted upon Samoa's independence from New Zealand on January 1, 1962. Samoa was the first Pacific Island nation to gain independence in the 20th century. The anthem reflects the deeply Christian character of Samoan society.
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Sources & References
- The Banner of Freedom . Wikipedia
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