Mungu ibariki Afrika is the national anthem of Tanzania. The anthem is the Swahili language version of Enoch Sontonga’s popular hymn “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” that is also used as Zambia’s anthem (with different words) and part of South Africa’s. It was formerly also used as Zimbabwe’s anthem. The word Mungu in swahili means God and the title of the anthem therefore translates as “God bless Africa”.
In Finland the same melody is used as a children’s psalm (“Kuule Isä Taivaan”, “Hear, Heavenly Father”). In this form the song has found its way to the common book of psalms used by the major church of Finland.
Click here to listen to the National Anthem of Tanzania
English translation
God bless Africa
Bless its leaders
Wisdom, unity and peace
These are our shields
Africa and its people
CHORUS:
Bless Africa
Bless Africa
Bless us, the children of Africa
God bless Tanzania
Grant eternal freedom and unity
To its women, men and children
God bless Tanzania and its people
CHORUS:
Bless Tanzania
Bless Tanzania
Bless us, the children of Tanzania