The South Africa national anthem, “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika,” is a symbol of national pride and unity. Below are the original lyrics in multiple languages.
Additional Information
- Anthem Name: Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika
- Written Date: 1897
- Lyricist: Enoch Sontonga
- Composer: Enoch Sontonga
- Official Adoption Date: 1997
Original Lyrics in Multiple Languages
Xhosa/Zulu:
Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu,
Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.
Afrikaans:
Uit die blou van onse hemel,
Uit die diepte van ons see,
Oor ons ewige gebergtes,
Waar die kranse antwoord gee.
English:
Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
English Translation of the Lyrics
Here is the South Africa national anthem English version. “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” reflects the pride and unity of South Africa. Below is the English translation of the lyrics.
Xhosa/Zulu:
Lord, bless Africa
May her glory be lifted high,
Hear our petitions,
Lord bless us, your children.
Afrikaans:
Ringing out from our blue heavens,
From the depths of our seas,
Over our everlasting mountains,
Where the echoing crags resound.
English:
Sounds the call to come together,
And united we shall stand,
Let us live and strive for freedom,
In South Africa our land.
Download National Anthem Music
To download the audio file please click right on the player and select “Save Audio As”.
Sad part is this version actually leaves a full verse out in the Sethoto language
right after the Zulu part the sethoto verse goes:
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,
O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,
Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika.
source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/n/nationalanthemlyrics/southafricanationalanthemlyrics.html