L'Abidjanaise

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L'Abidjanaise
English: Song of Abidjan
Flag-map of Cote d'Ivoire.svg
National anthem of
 Ivory Coast
Lyrics Mathieu Ekra / Joachim Bony / Pierre Marie Coty
Music Pierre Marie Coty / Pierre Michel Pango
Adopted 1960
Music sample
L'Abidjanaise
(Instrumental)

"L'Abidjanaise" (Song of Abidjan) is the national anthem of Côte d'Ivoire. Adopted under law n°60–207 on 27 July 1960, its status as national anthem is enchrined in the constitution's 29th article. It takes the form of a lyric and very patriotic poem, using inspiring images expressing the greatness of the Ivorian soil and values such as hope, peace, dignity and the "true brotherhood".

Contents

History [edit]

Adopted in 1960 at the country's independance, the song of Abidjan remains the national anthem of Côte d'Ivoire, even though the capital city is now Yamoussoukro. This hymn is strongly tinged with patriotism and influenced by religion. The lyrics are from ministers Mathieu Vangah Ekra and Joachim Bony. The music has been composed by abbots Pierre-Marie Coty along side with Pierre-Michel Pango, taking La Marseillaise as model.[1]

Between 2007 and 2009, and under the leadership of Laurent Gbagbo, there was a project of replacing the Song of Abidjan by the Ode to the homeland as national anthem. This Ode has been composed in 2002 after the start of the Ivorian civil war, and was selected by contest in 2003.[2] The Ode to the homeland was sung by supporters of the now former head of state and broadcasted on the RTI's television network instead of the Song of Abidjan until 2007, even though it remained, according to the constitution, the country's national anthem.[3] However, the replacement project was not given any future.

Lyrics [edit]

lyrics English translation
Salut Ô terre d'espérance;
Pays de l'hospitalité.
Tes légions remplies de vaillance
Ont relevé ta dignité.
Tes fils, chère Côte d'Ivoire,
Fiers artisans de ta grandeur,
Tous rassemblés pour ta gloire
Te bâtiront dans le bonheur.
Fiers Ivoiriens, le pays nous appelle.
Si nous avons dans la paix ramené la liberté,
Notre devoir sera d'être un modèle
De l'espérance promise à l'humanité,
En forgeant, unie dans la foi nouvelle,
La patrie de la vraie fraternité.
We salute you, O land of hope,
Country of hospitality;
Thy full gallant legions
Have restored thy dignity.
Beloved Ivory Coast, thy sons,
Proud builders of thy greatness,
All not mustered together for thy glory,
In joy will we construct thee.
Proud citizens of the Ivory Coast, the country call us.
If we have brought back liberty peacefully,
It will be our duty to be an example
Of the hope promised to humanity,
Forging unitedly in new faith
The Fatherland of true brotherhood.
The Song of Abidjan, played by the military orchestra in front of Félix Houphouët-Boigny on October 26, 1992. Original video


References [edit]

  1. ^ (French) L'histoire méconnue des hymnes nationaux africains – Radio France International
  2. ^ (French) Chant patriotique: "L'Ode à la patrie" au cabinet du ministre de l'enseignement technique – article from allAfrica website published on 18 February 2003
  3. ^ (French) Changement des fondements de la Côte d`Ivoire : Hymne national : “L`Ode à la Patrie” à la place de “l`Abidjanaise” ? – article from the Nouveau Réveil tabloid dated from 28 December 2009.

Bibliography [edit]

External links [edit]
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