La Renaissance is the national anthem of the Central African Republic, adopted upon independence in 1960. The words were written by the then Prime Minister, Barthélémy Boganda. The music was composed by Herbert Pepper, who also composed the national anthem of Senegal, “Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons”.
There is also a version in the Sango language entitled “E Zingo”.
Click here to listen to the National Anthem of the Central African Republic
English Translation
Oh! Central Africa, cradle of the Bantu!
Take up again your right to respect, to life!
Long subjugated, long scorned by all,
But, from today, breaking tyranny’s hold.
Through work, order and dignity
You reconquer your rights, your unity,
And to take this new step
The voice of our ancestors call us.
CHORUS:
To work! In order and dignity,
in the respect for rights and in unity,
Breaking poverty and tyranny,
Holding high the flag of the Fatherland.