Eswatini
Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati
Oh God, Bestower of the Blessings of the Swazi
1968
1968
Andrease Enoke Fanyana Simelane
David Kenneth Rycroft
✝ God / Faith 👑 Monarchy ☮ Peace |
Context
Adopted in 1968 when Swaziland (now Eswatini) gained independence from Britain. The music was composed by David Kenneth Rycroft, a South African ethnomusicologist who studied Swazi music extensively. The anthem reflects the strong role of the monarchy in Swazi national identity.
Lyrics
Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati,
Siyatibonga tonkhe tinhlanhla,
Sibonga iNgwenyama yetfu,
Live netintsaba nemifula.
Busisa tiphatsimandla temaSwati;
Nguwe wedvwa Somandla wetfu;
Sinike kuhlakanipha lokungenabucili;
Simise, usimakele,
Simakele.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is Africa's last absolute monarchy, and the anthem prominently features the king (Ingwenyama, meaning 'the Lion')
- • The country changed its name from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018, but the anthem remained unchanged
- • The music was composed by a South African ethnomusicologist who incorporated traditional Swazi musical elements