Cape Verde
Cantico da Liberdade
Song of Freedom
1996
1996
Amilcar Spencer Lopes
Adalberto Higino Tavares Silva
🕊 Freedom 🤝 Unity ☮ Peace 🌅 Hope |
Context
Adopted in 1996, replacing the original anthem that had been shared with Guinea-Bissau since both countries were once united under the PAIGC liberation movement. After Cape Verde broke ties with Guinea-Bissau following a 1980 coup, the country eventually adopted its own distinct anthem. The lyrics beautifully evoke the island nation's relationship with the sea and its volcanic, arid landscape.
Lyrics
Canta, irmão
Canta, meu irmão
Que a liberdade é hino
E o homem a certeza.
Com dignidade, enterra a semente
No pó da ilha nua;
No despenhadeiro da vida
A esperança é do tamanho do mar
Que nos abraça.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • Cape Verde originally shared its anthem with Guinea-Bissau, as both nations were united in their liberation struggle under the PAIGC party
- • The anthem's imagery of 'the bare island' and 'the sea that embraces us' directly reflects Cape Verde's geography as a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic
- • Cape Verde is one of the few African nations to change its anthem not due to revolution but as part of a democratic transition to multiparty politics