"" (English: "Land of our forefathers") is the national anthem of Togo. The words and music were written by , and it was the national anthem from independence in 1960 until 1979. In 1979, it was replaced in its capacity by a different composition created by the party of the Rally of the Togolese People. It was readopted in 1992.
Lyrics French lyricsEnglish translationI
II
IIII Hail to you, land of our forefathers, You who made them strong, peaceful and happy, Cultivating virtue, valour For posterity. Should tyrants come, may your heart long for freedom. Togo arise, let us fight without faltering. Victory or death, but in dignity. God almighty, You alone have exalted us From Togo for prosperity. Togolese come, let us build the state.
II In unity we want to serve you, It is indeed the most burning desire of our hearts. Let us loudly proclaim our motto, Which nothing can tarnish. Sole architect of your happiness, as well as your future, Let us break the chains of treachery everywhere, And we swear loyalty to you always, And to love to serve, to surpass ourselves, To make you yet, without tiring, Dear Togo, the gold of humanity.
III Hail, hail to the entire universe. Let us unite our efforts on the immense building site From which will be reborn completely anew Great Humanity. Everywhere, instead of misery, let us bring happiness. Let us chase from the world rebellious hatred. Slavery and captivity is over. To the star of liberty, Let us renew the solidarity Of nations in fraternity.
In local languages Ewe lyricsKabiye lyricsII
History Rally of the Togolese People-era national anthem During the Third Republic, the name of the national anthem was changed to "L’Unité Nationale".Constitution de la IIIe République Togolaise 1979, Art. 1: "L'hymne nationale est : < l'UNITÉ NATIONALE >." This was the state anthem written by the party of Rally of the Togolese People that, between 1979 and 1992, replaced "Terre de nos aïeux". It was replaced by the old anthem in 1992, due to concerns that patriotism was equated with loyalty to the Rally. French lyricsEwe lyricsEnglish translationLet us dismiss all the evil spirits that hinder national unity. Let us fight it as the imperialism. The settling of accounts, hatred and anarchy Merely stop the revolution. If we are divided, the enemy infiltrates In our ranks to exploit us.
To the Union, Union, Union, Oh, Togolese! Our ancestors call us. Peace, Peace, Peace, Oh, Togolese! Our forefathers instructed it us.
Let's not forget all of the historic appeal of 30 August 69. Let's listen to the sound forever. Our way of salvation is the Rally, Rally of all the Togolese For the great victory. Togo arise! Carry the torch of the Union!
Let us dismiss the evil spirit that hinders African Unity. Let us dismiss it like imperialism. The shots of cannons and rifle fires Just slow the impetus of Africa. From our disunity imperialism profits, It benefits much to oppose us.
Peace, Peace, Peace, Oh, God! Peace, Peace for Africa! Peace, Peace, Peace, Oh, God! Peace, Peace for Africa
Notes
References
External links Togo: Salut à toi, pays de nos aïeux - Audio of the national anthem of Togo, with information and lyrics (archive link) Vocal version MP3 version