National symbols — Burundi

National anthem

Anthem History

Written by a group of writers led by President Jean-Baptiste Ntahokaja and composed by Marc Barengayabo, it was adopted upon its independence from Belgium in 1962.

Anthem Lyrics

Kirundi Lyrics Burundi Bwâcu, Burundi buhire, Shinga icú mu mu mashinga, Gaba intahe y'ú bugabo ku bugingo. Warápfunywe ntíwapfú ye, Waráhabishijwe ntíwahababuka, Uhagurukana, uhagurukana, uhagurukana, ubugabo urîkukira. Komerwamashyí n'ámakú ngu, Habwa impundu nâbâwe, Isamírane mu mashinga, isamírane mu mashinga, Burundi bwâcu, rági ry'ábasôkú ru, Ramutswa intahe n'íbihú gu, Ufatanije ishyaka n'ubú hizi; Vuza impundu wiganzuye uwakú ganza uwakú ganza. Burundi bwâcu, nkóramú tima kurí twese, Tugutuye amabóko, umítima n'ú buzima, Imâna yakú duhaye ikudú tungire. Horana umwami n'ábagabo n'ítekane. Sagwa n'ú rweze, sagwa n'ámahóro mezá. French Lyrics Cher Burundi, ô doux pays, Prends place dans le concert des nations. En tout bien, tout honneur, accédé à l'indépendance. Mutilé et meutri, tu es demeuré maître de toi-même. L'heure venue, t'es levé Et fièrement tu t'es hissé au rang des peuples libres. Reçois donc le compliment des nations, Agrée l'hommage de tes enfants. Qu'à travers l'univers retentisse ton nom. Cher Burundi, héritage sacré de nos aïeux, Reconnu digne de te gouverner Au courage tu allies le sentiment de l'honneur. Chante la gloire de ta liberté reconquise. Cher Burundi, digne objet de notre plus tendre armour, A ton noble service nous vouons nos bras, nos cœurs et nos vies. Veuille Dieu, qui nous a fait don de toi, te conserver à notre vénération. Sous l'egide de l'Unité, Dans la paix, la joie et la prospérité.

Anthem Lyrics English

Beloved Burundi, gentle country, Take your place in the concert of nations, Acceding to independence with honorable intentions. Wounded and bruised, you have remained master of yourself. When the hour came, you arose, Lifting yourself proudly into the ranks of free peoples. Receive, then, the congratulations of the nations And the homage of your sons. May your name ring out through the universe. Beloved Burundi, sacred heritage from our forefathers, Recognized as worthy of self-government, With your courage you also have a sense of honour. Sing the glory of liberty conquered again. Beloved Burundi, worthy of our tenderest love, We vow to your noble service our hands and hearts and lives. May God, who gave you to us, keep you for us to venerate, Under the shield of unity, In peace, joy and prosperity.