For The Gambia Our Homeland

"For the Gambia Our Homeland" is the national anthem of the Gambia. The words were written by Virginia Julia Howe and the music composed by Jeremy F. Howe. It is based on the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya." It was adopted after an international competition to produce a state anthem (and flag) before the country declared independence in 1965.

Lyrics

English original Wolof translation

For the Gambia, our homeland
We strive and work and pray,
That all may live in unity,
Freedom and peace each day.

Let justice guide our actions
Towards the common good,
And join our diverse peoples
To prove man's brotherhood.

We pledge our firm allegiance,
Our promise we renew;
Keep us, great God of nations,
To the Gambia ever true.

Gambia mede sunyu rewe.
Nyu nge jaim di liggaye de nyan
Ndakh nyun nyep nyu bolloh nek a bena
Am sunyu affier ak jama base bu neka.

Na degga sama sunyu jefye
Nyeal jef yu bakh ye ngu digalleh
Tay bolleh sunyu girr ye
Ndakh wonneh ni dom adama wara nekeh bena.

Nyunge tailleh Sunyu degga deggi nangu
Tei essal sunyu diggeh
Yalla mu maggame omba askanwe
Sahal nyu chi Gambia beh fau.

References