La Renaissance

"La Renaissance" is the national anthem of the Central African Republic. The words were written by the first post-independence 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". "La Renaissance" was adopted upon independence in 1960.

French Lyrics and English translation

O Centrafrique, ô berceau des Bantous! Reprends ton droit au respect, à la vie! Longtemps soumis, longtemps brimé partous, Mais de ce jour brisant la tyrannie. Dans le travail, l'ordre et la dignité, Tu reconquiers ton droit, ton unité, Et pour franchir cette étape nouvelle, De nos ancêtres la voix nous appelle.		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: Au travail dans l'ordre et la dignité, Dans le respect du droit dans l'unité, Brisant la misère et la tyrannie, Brandissant l'étendard de la Patrie.		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.