Terre de nos aïeux (Land of our forefathers) is the national anthem of Togo. The words and music were written by Alex Casimir-Dosseh, and was the national anthem upon independence in 1960-1979. From 1979-1992 it was replaced by a different anthem. It was readopted from 1992 onwards.
Click here to listen to the National Anthem of Togo
English Translation
Hail to thee, land of our forefathers,
Thou who made them strong, peaceful and happy,
Men who for posterity cultivated virtue and bravery.
Even if tyrants shall come, thy heart yearns towards freedom.
Togo arise! Let us struggle without faltering.
Victory or death, but dignity.
God almighty, Thou alone hast made Togo prosper.
People of Togo arise! Let us build the nation.
To serve thee in unity is the most burning desire of our hearts.
Let us shout aloud our motto
That nothing can tarnish.
We the only builders of thy happiness and of thy future,
Everywhere let us break chains and treachery,
And we swear to thee for ever faith, love, service, untiring zeal,
To make thee yet, beloved Togo, a golden example for humanity.
Hail, hail to the entire Universe
Let us unite our efforts on this immense building site
Whence will be reborn anew
Great Humanity.
Everywhere, instead of misery, let us bring happiness.
Let us chase from the world unruly hatred.
It’s over with slavery and Captivity.
At the star of liberty,
Let us renew the solidarity
Of the Nations in fraternity.