National Anthem

"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.

English Lyrics (Full Version)

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;

Instill 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 (English translation of French lyrics):

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 (Short Version):

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.