The Heart and Soul of Zimbabwe’s National Anthem: Discovering Its Lyrics, History, and Composer
The National Anthem of Zimbabwe is a patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of the people of Zimbabwe. It is the official national song of Zimbabwe and is a symbol of the country’s pride and resilience.
What Is The Name of the National Anthem of Zimbabwe?
The National Anthem of Zimbabwe is also known as “Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe“, which translates to “Raise our flag of Zimbabwe” in English, from the first line of the Shona version. It’s also known as “Kalibusiswe Ilizwe leZimbabwe” from the final line of each verse in Ndebele. This translates to “Blessed Be the Land of Zimbabwe.” In English, the National Anthem of Zimbabwe is known as “Proudly Lift High the Flag of the Land of Zimbabwe.”
History of The Zimbabwe National Anthem
When Was The National Anthem of Zimbabwe Changed?
Zimbabwe’s national anthem was introduced in March 1994, when it replaced the previous one, “Ishe Komborera Africa,” which had been used since Zimbabwe gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1980.
Who Wrote the Lyrics and Composed the Zimbabwe National Anthem?
The current anthem was adopted following a national competition that saw over 500 entries submitted. The winning composition was a collaborative effort between Fred Changundega and Professor Solomon Mutswairo.
The lyrics of the National Anthem of Zimbabwe were written in Shona by Professor Solomon Mutswairo, while Fred Changundega composed the music. The national anthem was then translated from Shona to English and Ndebele and later on into other national languages.
Fred Changundega was a renowned music educator and composer who had already composed several notable pieces before the national anthem. His other works include “My Zimbabwe,” “The African Child,” and “Zimbabwe, My Home.”
Professor Solomon Mutswairo was a respected poet, novelist, and scholar who was also one of the pioneers of Zimbabwean literature. He wrote the lyrics to the national anthem in Shona, one of Zimbabwe’s official languages.
Together, Changundega and Mutswairo’s musical and lyrical talents created a masterpiece that resonates with Zimbabweans to this day.
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The Zimbabwe National Flag [Image: Wikipedia]
Lyrics of The Zimbabwe National Anthem
Zimbabwe National Anthem Shona Lyrics
Verse1
Simudzai mureza wedu weZimbabwe
Yakazvarwa nomoto wechimurenga;
(Neropa) neropa zhinji ramagamba
Tiidzivirire kumhandu dzose;
Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.
Verse 2
Tarisai Zimbabwe nyika yakashongedzwa
Namakomo, nehova, zvinoyevedza
Mvura ngainaye, minda ipe mbesa
Vashandi vatuswe, ruzhinji rugutswe;
Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.
Verse 3
Mwari ropafadzai nyika yeZimbabwe
Nyika yamadzitateguru edu tose;
Kubva Zambezi kusvika Limpopo,
Navatungamiri vave nenduramo;
Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Anthem Ndebele Lyrics
Verse 1
Phakamisan iflegi yethu yeZimbabwe
Eyazalwa yimpi yenkululeko;
Legaz’ elinengi lamaqhawe ethu
Silivikele ezithan izonke;
Kalibusisiwe ilizwe leZimbabwe.
Verse 2
Khangelan’ iZimbabwe yon’ ihlotshiwe
Ngezintaba lang’ miful’ ebukekayo,
Izulu kaline, izilimo zande;
Iz’ sebenzi zenam’, abantu basuthe;
Kalibusisiwe ilizwe leZimbabwe.
Verse 3
Nkosi busis’ ilizwe lethu leZimbabwe
Ilizwe labokhokho bethu thina sonke;
Kusuk’ eZambezi kusiy’ eLimpopo
Abakhokheli babe lobuqotho;
Kalibusisiwe ilizwe leZimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Anthem English Lyrics
Verse 1:
O lift high the banner, the flag of Zimbabwe
The symbol of freedom proclaiming victory;
We praise our heros’ sacrifice,
And vow to keep our land from foes;
And may the Almighty protect and bless our land.
Verse 2:
O lovely Zimbabwe, so wondrously adorned
With mountains, and rivers cascading, flowing free;
May rain abound, and fertile fields;
May we be fed, our labour blessed;
And may the Almighty protect and bless our land.
Verse 3:
O God, we beseech Thee to bless our native land;
The land of our fathers bestowed upon us all;
From Zambezi to Limpopo
May leaders be exemplary;
And may the Almighty protect and bless our land.
Zimbabwe National Anthem Kalanga Lyrics
I
Milidzani fulegi yedu yeZimbabwe
Yakazwagwa nengwa yelununguko
Nelopa njinji lebagwi bedu
Tilidzibilile muzwita zose:
Ayipiwe mahha hango yeZimbabwe.
II
Lingani Zimbabwe Hango yakanaka
Nematombo nenjizi dzakanakisisa.
Vula ngayine minda ipembele
Bahingi balalame banhu bose bagute.
Ayipiwe mahha hango yeZimbabwe.
III
Ndzimu yengemadzani Hango yeZimbabwe
Hango yabobatategulu bedu tose
Kubva Zambezi kunoti Limpopo.
Nebatungamili babenendulamo.
Ayipiwe mahha hango yeZimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Anthem Tonga Lyrics
I
Amunyampule Ndembela yesu yaZimbabwe
Yakazyalwa aNkondo yaLwaangunuko
Abulowa bunji bwabasilumamba
Tuyitabilile kuli basinkondoma
Ngayilongezegwe nyika yaZimbabwe
II
Amulange Zimbabwe yo iidobeekedwe
Amalundu Amilonga iiyebeka
Mvula ngayiwe zilimwa zivule
Babeleki Bajane, Abantu Bakkute
Ngayilongezegwe Nyika yaZimbabwe
III
Mwami longezya nyika yesu yaZimbabwe
Nyika yabaMataata besu Iswe Toonse
Kuzwa kuli Zambezi kuya kuli Limpopo
Bazulwidi Babe chitondeezyo
Ngayilongezegwe Nyika yaZimbabwe
Zimbabwe National Anthem Tswana Lyrics
I
O tsholeletsang godimo, folaga ya rona ya Zimbabwe
Ee tshotshweng ke ntwa ya kgololesego
Le madi ya megaka ya rona
Re le tshireletse mo go baba ba rona
Ka le segofatswe le fatshe la Zimbabwe
II
Bonang Zimbabwe ee kgabisetsweng
Ka di thaba le dinoka tse di ntle
Pula a ine le masimo a nnc le di dipoelo
Botlhe bas a tlhtoke dijo le babereki ba duelwe
Ka le segofatswe le fatshe la Zimbabwe
III
Modimo, segofatsa le fatshe la Zimbabwe
Le fatshe boswa jwa rona
Go tswa Zambezi go ya Limpopo
A baeteledipele ba rona ba ne le maotsholo a bone a a eletsegang
Ka le segofatswe le fatshe la Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe National Anthem Venda Lyrics
I
Takusani tuḽaga yashu ya Zimbabwe
Ye ya bebwa nga nndwa ya mbofholowo
Na malofha manzhi a vhahali vhashu
Ri ḽi tsireledze maswinani oṱhe;
Kha ḽi fhaṱutshedzwe shango ḽa Zimbabwe.
II
Sedzani Zimbabwe ḽone ḽo shomedzwa
Nga dzithavha na milambo, i tamisaho.
Kha i ṋe, mvula kha i ṋe zwiliṅwa zwi ande
Vhashumi vha tondwe vhathu vha fure
Kha ḽi fhaṱutshedzwe shango ḽa Zimbabwe.
III
Murena fhaṱutshedza shango ḽa Zimbabwe
Shango ḽa vhomakhulukuku vhashu riṋe roṱhe
U bva Zambezi u guma Vhembe
Vharangaphanḓa vha vhe na ndulamo.
Kha ḽi fhaṱutshedzwe shango ḽa Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Anthem Xhosa Lyrics
I
Phakamisani flegi yethu yaseZimbabwe
Eyavela ngedabi lenkululeko
Ngegaz elininz’ elamagorha ethu
Lisikhusele nakwiintshaba zonke
Malisikelelwe iLizwe laseZimbabwe
II
Jongan’iZimbabwe yon’ihonjisiwe
Ngeentaba ezintle nemilamb’emihle
imvula inethe nezityalo zande
‘basebenzi bavun’ abantu bahluthe
Malisikelelwe iLizwe lase Zimbabwe
III
Nkosi sikekelela iLizwe laseZimbabwe
ILizwe lemveli yethu thina sonke
Kusuk’ eZambezi kusiy’ eLimpopo
Iinkokheli zibenenyaniso
Malisikelelwe iLizwe laseZimbabwe
Zimbabwe National Anthem Shangani Lyrics
I
Tlakusani mujeko wa hina waZimbabwe.
Yi nga tswariwa hi ndzilo wa nyimpi
ya ntshuxeko na ngati yinyingi ya tinhenha.
Hi yi sivelela ka valala hinkwavo
a ri katekisiwe tiko raZimbabwe.
II
Langutani Zimbabwe tiko ri nga xongisiwa
hi tintshava na mikova swi khavisaka.
A yi ne mpfula masimu ya nyika.
Vatirhi va tsaka xitshungu xi xurha.
A ri katekisiwe tiko ra Zimbabwe.
III
Hosi katekisani tiko ra Zimbahwe,
tiko ra yakokwana va hina hinkwerhu,
ku sukela Zambezi ku kala Limpopo.
Na vurhangeri byi va na vunene,
a ri katekisiwe tiko ra Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Anthem Ndau Lyrics
I
Murudzai mujeke, wedu weZimbabwe
Wakabarwa ngemwoto weChimurenga
Nengazi yemagamba
Tidziirire kuaengi eshe
Ngaikomborerwe Nyika yeZimbabwe.
II
Ringirai Zimbabwe Nyika yakatsvindiswa
Ngemakomo nenzizi zviinoyeveedza
Ngainaye mvura, ngainaye minda ipe mbeu
Vashandi vakudzwe ruzhinji rugutswe
Ngaikomborerwe Nyika yeZimbabwe
III
Mwari komborerai Nyika yeZimbabwe
Nyika yamadziteteguru edu
Kubvira Zambezi kuguma Limpopo
Neatungamiri aa nendaramo
Ngaikomborerwe Nyika yeZimbabwe
Zimbabwe National Anthem Nambya Lyrics
I
Nyamulani indembela yedu yeZimbabwe
Yakazwalwa nehondo yolusungunuko
Nelopa inji lyamagamba edu,
Tiyitabilije kuzwita zwose;
Ngaikombolelwe inyika yeZimbabwe.
II
Lingani Zimbabwe inyika inopenya
Namatunhu nenjizi zwinoyebeka.
Ngaine ivula ngaine zwilimwa zwiwande
Bashingi beshante nabanhu begute.
Ngaikombolelwe inyika yeZimbabwe.
III
Mwali kombolelani inyika yeZimbabwe,
Inyika yamatategulu edu isu tose,
Kuvila Zambezi kuswika Limpopo.
Batungamili bebe nobululami,
Ngaikombolelwe inyika yeZimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Anthem Chewa Lyrics
I
O nyamulani mmwamba, mbendela yathu ya Zimbabwe
Yobadwa ndi moto wa nkhondo
Ndi gazi lofunikila la ngwazi zathu.
Tiyeni tiliteteze kwa adani onse;
Lidalitsidwe dziko la Zimbabwe.
II
Yang’anani Zimbabwe ya mphatso zambili
Ndi maphiri ndi msinje, zokongola.
Mvula igwe yambili ndi minda itulutse chakudya
Anthu onse akhuthe ndi a ntchito alipilidwe.
Lidalitsidwe dziko la Zimbabwe.
III
O Mulungu, dalitsani dziko la Zimbabwe,
Dziko la mphatso yathu,
Kuchokela ku Zambezi kufika ku Limpopo.
Atsogoleli akhale pa chilungamo ndi ubwino wowoneka.
Lidalitsidwe dziko la Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Anthem Chibarwe Lyrics
I
Simuzani mureza wathu waZimbabwe
Idabarwa namuriro wachimureuga:
Namaropa mazhinji amagauba
Tiyiziwirire zvikerema zventse
Ngarikomborerwe dziko raZimbabwe.
II
Ringani dziko ridatsimizwa
Namabango, naturudzi zvidadekesa.
Madzi ngaagwe, minda ipase poso
Waseenzi wadekedzerwe, dungwe rigorwe
Ngarikomborerwe dziko raZimbabwe.
III
Murungu komborerani dziko raZimbabwe
Dziko rawakuru wathu wakare tentse;
Kubuda kuna Zambezi mupaka kuna Limpopo.
Nawatungamiri waite ndaramo,
Ngarikomborerwe dziko raZimbabwe.
Zimbabwe National Anthem Koisan Lyrics
I
Tanka ho Fulegi tan ka ho,
Ka fulegi tan ka ho,
Tcuan tcuara tem a ka kui sa-ua hi nguu ua
E tuise ho we hi hum kadi,
Zimbabwe nguu uae
II
Zimbabwe tcanuu, e nahu e nyua hue hi,
Eshingisa e gǁawu gǁaua
Tcuara gǁawu, tcuan ire ǁa,
E tuise ho we hi nguu ka di,
Zimbabwe nguu ka di.
III
Dzimu tcuara tsau maa, hi nguu ka di, Zimbabwe di.
Hu mae tanuu,
Zambezi hua ninuu kua kuise, Limpompo, kua si ke ko.
Ha tcuan ira gǁo tconi ira ebkua ho tcan, e kairse tsau muari tcuan ua tca,
Hi nguu ka di Zimbabwe di.
National Anthem of Zimbabwe – Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe
References:
- The National Anthem – Government of Zimbawe
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Nedebele), kubatana.net
- Mushawakanaka Zimbabwe (2017-12-07). “Zimbabwe National Anthem”. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2022-05-14. Retrieved 2022-05-14.
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Chewa), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Chibarwe), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Kalanga), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Koisan), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Nambya), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Ndau), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Shangani), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Sotho), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Tonga), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Tswana), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Venda), kubatana.net
- Constitution of Zimbabwe (Xhosa), kubatana.net
