O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers

O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers

Flag of Cameroon Inspired National anthem of Cameroon
National anthem of Cameroon
Also known as	Chant de Ralliement English: The Rallying Song
Lyrics	René Djam Afame / Samuel Minkio Bamba / Moïse Nyatte Nko'o
Music	René Djam Afame
Adopted	1957
Music sample
O Cameroun, Berceau de nos Ancêtres

"Chant de Ralliement" or "The Rallying Song" is the national anthem of Cameroon. It was used on an unofficial basis beginning in 1948 before independence, and officially adopted in 1957. The music was composed by René Djam Afame, who also wrote the lyrics along with Samuel Minkio Bamba and Moïse Nyatte Nko'o. The lyrics were changed in 1978.

Lyrics

English lyrics	French lyrics	English translation of French lyrics
O Cameroon, Thou Cradle of our Fathers, Holy Shrine where in our midst they now repose, Their tears and blood and sweat thy soil did water, On thy hills and valleys once their tillage rose. Dear Fatherland, thy worth no tongue can tell! How can we ever pay thy due? Thy welfare we will win in toil and love and peace, Will be to thy name ever true! Chorus: Land of Promise, land of Glory! Thou, of life and joy, our only store! Thine be honour, thine devotion, And deep endearment, for evermore. From Shari, from where the Mungo meanders From along the banks of lowly Boumba Stream, Muster thy sons in union close around thee, Mighty as the Buea Mountain be their team; Instil in them the love of gentle ways, Regret for errors of the past; Foster, for Mother Africa, a loyalty That true shall remain to the last. Chorus	Ô Cameroun berceau de nos ancêtres, Va debout et jaloux de ta liberté, Comme un soleil ton drapeau fier doit être, Un symbole ardent de foi et d'unité. Que tous tes enfants du Nord au Sud, De l'Est à l'Ouest soient tout amour, Te servir que ce soit le seul but, Pour remplir leur devoir toujours. Chorus: Chère Patrie, Terre chérie, Tu es notre seul et vrai bonheur, Notre joie et notre vie, En toi l'amour et le grand honneur. Tu es la tombe où dorment nos pères, Le jardin que nos aïeux ont cultivé. Nous travaillons pour te rendre prospère, Un beau jour enfin nous serons arrivés. De l'Afrique sois fidèle enfant Et progresse toujours en paix, Espérant que tes jeunes enfants T'aimeront sans bornes à jamais. Chorus	O Cameroon cradle of our ancestors, Go, upright and jealous of your freedom. As the sun, let your flag be proud, A symbol of ardent faith and unity, May all your children,from North to South From East to West, live in love! May serving you be their sole purpose To fulfill their duty forever. Chorus: Dear Fatherland, dear land, You are our only true happiness. Our joy, our life To you, love and the greatest honor. Thou art the grave where our fathers sleep, The garden that our ancestors have cultivated. We work to make you prosperous One good day we will finally get there. Be Africa's faithfull child And always advance peace Hoping that your children Love you without limit forever. Chorus

External links

• Cameroon: O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers - Audio of the national anthem of Cameroon, with information and lyrics
• 'Chant de Ralliement'/'The Rallying Song' MIDI