For The Gambia Our Homeland facts for kids
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| National anthem of | the  Gambia |
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| Lyrics | Mandinka original: Jali Nyama Suso English version: Virginia Julia Howe |
| Music | Mandinka original: unknown Modern arrangement: Jeremy Frederick Howe |
| Adopted | 1965 |
For The Gambia Our Homeland is the national anthem of the Gambia. It is based on a traditional Mandinka song. The original Mandinka lyrics were written by Jali Nyama Suso. Later, Jeremy and Virginia Howe created an English version. This English version became the national anthem in 1965.
Contents
History of the Anthem
Before the Gambia became independent from the United Kingdom in 1965, a special group was formed. This group, called the National Anthem Selection Committee, looked for ideas for a new national anthem. They received three different songs.
One song was very good but too long. The Committee wanted something shorter and easy to remember.
How the Anthem Was Chosen
The government asked a Mandinka musician named Jali Nyama Suso to create a song. Jali Nyama decided to use an old Mandinka tune. This tune was about a warrior named Foday Kabba Dumbuya. Foday Kabba was known for his efforts to spread Islam. Jali Nyama wrote new Mandinka words for this old tune.
Jali Nyama's song was recorded. It was then played for the Prime Minister, Dawda Jawara. He liked it very much. The Governor-General, John Paul, also approved the song.
English Version of the Anthem
After the song was chosen, it needed to be translated into English. Jeremy Frederick Howe, who led the Selection Committee, did this translation. He was an officer in the Gambia's government at the time.
Jeremy Howe is known for composing the anthem's music. His wife, Virginia Julia Howe, was a trained composer. She is credited with writing the English words for the anthem.
Anthem Lyrics
The main lyrics of the anthem are in English. However, they have also been translated into other local languages. These include Mandinka and Wolof.
| English lyrics | Wolof lyrics |
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For The Gambia, our homeland |
Gambia mede sunyu rewe. |
See also
In Spanish: For The Gambia Our Homeland para niños
