La Renaissance


"La Renaissance" is the national anthem of the Central African Republic. It was adopted on 25 May 1960, shortly before the republic's independence on 13 August the same year. The words were written by then Prime Minister Barthélémy Boganda. The music was composed by French composer Herbert Pepper, who also composed the national anthem of Senegal, "Le Lion rouge". The song was also the national anthem during the Central African Empire.

Lyrics

The anthem has official lyrics in both French and the national language of Sango.
French lyricsSango lyricsSango IPA transcriptionEnglish translation
italic=noitalic=noOh! 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 standard of the Fatherland.