Zimbabwe
Blessed be the Land of Zimbabwe
Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe
1994
1994
Solomon Mutswairo
Fred Changundega
✝ God / Faith 🕊 Freedom 🤝 Unity 🚩 Flag 🔥 Revolution |
Key Facts
- 1. Zimbabwe's current anthem is actually its third since independence in 1980; the first was 'Ishe Komborera Africa' (God Bless Africa) and the second was an interim version before the 1994 anthem was adopted through a national competition.
- 2. The anthem is performed in three languages (Shona, Ndebele, and English) at official events, with each verse in a different language, though the Shona version is the most commonly heard at sporting events.
- 3. Composer Fred Lecture Changundega wrote the melody using a pentatonic scale common in traditional Shona mbira music, giving the anthem a distinctly Zimbabwean musical identity unlike the European-influenced anthems of many African nations.
Lyrics
Simudzai mureza wedu weZimbabwe
Yakazvarwa nomoto wechimurenga;
Neropa zhinji ramagamba
Tiidzivirire kumhandu dzose;
Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.
Tarisai Zimbabwe nyika yakashongedzwa
Namakomo, nehova, zvinoyevedza
Mvura ngainaye, ngaive namajaha
Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.
Phakamisan' iflegi yethu yeZimbabwe
Eyazalwa yimpi yenkululeko;
Legazi elinengi lamaqhawe ethu
Siyivikele ezitheni zonke;
Kalibusisiwe ilizwe leZimbabwe.
O lift high our flag of Zimbabwe,
Born of the fire of the revolution;
With the precious blood of our heroes,
We will defend it against all foes;
Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe.
O God, we beseech Thee to bless our land,
With the bounty of Thy great hand,
Fill our hearts, fill them with delight;
Blessed be the land of Zimbabwe.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialAdopted in 1994, replacing 'Ishe Komborera Africa' which had been used since independence from white-minority Rhodesia in 1980. The lyrics were written by Solomon Mutswairo, one of Zimbabwe's foremost literary figures. The anthem is sung in Shona, Ndebele, and English, reflecting the country's three main linguistic communities. 'Chimurenga' refers to the liberation wars against colonial rule.