Le Mali

"" (Template:Langx) is the national anthem of Mali. Adopted in 1962, it was written by Seydou Badian Kouyaté, while the music is attributed to Banzumana Sissoko. It is popularly known as "" (Template:Langx) or "" (Template:Langx).

History

The anthem was written by Seydou Badian Kouyaté around the time of the dissolution of the Mali Federation with Senegal in 1960, which left Mali without a flag or anthem. In a 2010 interview, Kouyaté stated that President Modibo Keïta had been passing through his locality when he approached Kouyaté and asked him to create a song to help the youth remember Malian pre-independence politician Mamadou Konaté. Kouyaté created a song called "". Keïta then called Kouyaté and told him to try creating something for the national anthem. Kouyaté made a draft for a national anthem and sang it with Keïta, who was pleased with it. Kouyaté stated that Keïta had previously received a proposal for a national anthem by a European pianist residing in the Malian capital, Bamako, but he rejected it, because he wanted something that had an aura of Africa and Mali. Kouyaté reworked an air dating back to the 13th century and the Mali Empire. The musical arrangement is credited to jeli Banzumana Sissoko.

The anthem was officially adopted just under a year after independence, by law n° 62-72 of 9 August 1962. The Malian Young Pioneer movement of the 1960s translated it into Bambara for its rallies as "". The translation is credited to Abdulay Bari.Template:Rp It is traditionally played at state ceremonies by the band of the of the Armed Forces of Mali.

Lyrics

French original	Bambara lyricsTemplate:Rp	English translation
	Laminɛni:	I At your call, Mali For your prosperity Loyal towards your destiny We will be all united, One people, one goal, one faith, For a united Africa If the enemy should show himself Inside or outside, Standing on the ramparts, We are ready to die. Chorus: For Africa and for you, Mali, Our banner shall be liberty. For Africa and for you, Mali, Our fight shall be for unity. Oh, Mali of today, Oh, Mali of tomorrow, The fields are flowering with hope Hearts are thrilling with confidence. II Standing town and country Standing women, young and old For the country moving Towards a bright future For our dignity Let us strengthen our ranks well For the public salvation Let us forge the common good Together shoulder to shoulder Let us make the path of happiness Chorus III The path is hard very hard Which leads to common happiness Courage and dedication Vigilance at all times Truth of ancient times Truth everyday Happiness through labour Will make the Mali of tomorrow Chorus IV Africa finally rises Let us welcome this new day Let us welcome liberty Let us march towards unity New found dignity Support our fight True to our oath Of making Africa united My brothers standing together All at the appointment of honour Chorus

External links

• Mali: Le Mali - Audio of the national anthem of Mali, with information and lyrics (archive link)
• Presidency of Mali: Symboles de la République, L'Hymne National du Mali: history and lyrics, updated 13 June 2003.