O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers

"Chant de Ralliement" ("The Rallying Song"), also known as "Ô Cameroun berceau de nos ancêtres" ("O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers") is the national anthem of Cameroon and former national anthem of French Cameroon.

History

The song was composed in 1928 by René Djam Afame, who also wrote the lyrics along with Samuel Minkio Bamba and Moïse Nyatte Nko'o, all while they were students at the École Normale of Foulassi. It was used on an unofficial basis in French Cameroon beginning in 1948 before independence and officially adopted as the anthem of the territory in 1957. In 1960, the anthem was officially adopted by the new Republic of Cameroon.

In 1961, upon the accession of the former British Southern Cameroons to the Republic of Cameroon, an English version was written by Bernard Nsokika Fonlon, which was later officially adopted in 1978. In 1970, the French lyrics were changed to remove some words such as barbarie ("barbarianism") and sauvagerie ("savagery"), reference to France and the United Kingdom.

Lyrics

The first verse and chorus are considered to be the official lyrics and are most frequently played at important occasions.

Current lyrics (1970–present)

In local languages

The anthem has also been translated into several local languages.

Former lyrics (1957–1970)

Notes

References

External links

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