National Anthem Comparison
Niue vs Samoa
1
Shared themes
✗
Different moods
15
15 years apart
✓
Same continent
Comparison Analysis
Niue and Samoa, both Oceania nations, take distinct approaches to their national anthems. Niue's "Ko e Iki he Lagi" was written in 1963, while Samoa's "The Banner of Freedom" dates to 1948.
Both anthems share themes of god / faith. Niue additionally explores identity and love of homeland, while Samoa also touches on flag, freedom and ancestors / heritage.
The emotional tones differ: Niue's anthem is prayerful, while Samoa's is proud.
Niue changed its national anthem in 1974, reflecting a shift in the nation's identity or political landscape.
Shared themes
Niue
✝ God / Faith 🏛 Identity ❤ Love of homeland
Samoa
🚩 Flag ✝ God / Faith 🕊 Freedom 🏺 Ancestors / Heritage
Shared themes:
✝ God / Faith
Metadata
| Niue | Samoa | |
|---|---|---|
| Written | 1963 | 1948 |
| Adopted | 1974 | 1962 |
| Lyricist | Unknown | Sauni Iiga Kuresa |
| Composer | Unknown; prepared by Sioeli Fusikata | Sauni Iiga Kuresa |
| Language | niu | sm |
| Region | Polynesia | Polynesia |
Lyrics Side by Side
Niue
Ko e Iki he Lagi
Original
Ko e Iki he Lagi
Kua fakaalofa mai
Ki Niue nei, ki Niue nei
Kua pule totonu
E Patuiki toatu
Kua pule okooko ki Niue nei
Ki Niue nei, ki Niue nei
Ki Niue nei, ki Niue nei
Kua pule okooko ki Niue nei
Kua pule ki Niue nei
Translation
The Lord in Heaven,
who loves
Niue, Niue,
who rules kindly,
the Almighty,
who rules completely over Niue.
Over Niue, over Niue,
over Niue, over Niue.
Who rules completely over Niue,
who rules over Niue.
Samoa
O le Fu'a o le Sa'olotoga o Samoa
Original
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!
Translation
Samoa, arise and raise your flag, your crown!
Samoa, arise and raise your flag, your crown!
Look at those stars that are waving on it:
This is the symbol of Jesus, who died on it for Samoa.
Oh, Samoa, hold fast your power forever.
Do not be afraid; God is our foundation, our freedom.
Samoa, arise: your flag is waving, your crown!
Interesting facts
Niue
- 1. The author of the words and the composer of the music are both unknown; it is only recorded that Sioeli Fusikata prepared, or set down, the music.
- 2. At the first South Pacific Games in 1963, where each territory was asked to bring an identifying tune for its gold-medal ceremonies, Niue came with the New Zealand flag but a tune of its own, this hymn; it was never played there.
- 3. It was adopted as the national anthem in 1974, the year the Niue Constitution Act granted Niue free association with New Zealand.
- 4. The entire anthem is built around a single repeated refrain, "ki Niue nei" ("over Niue"), affirming God's rule over the island.
Samoa
- 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.
Listen
Niue
Samoa
