CA Country Anthems

Eswatini National Anthem History

Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati

Eswatini's national anthem, adopted in 1968 upon independence, was composed after extensive ethno-musicological fieldwork. It uniquely blends traditional Swazi polyphony with Western musical styles.

Eswatini Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati

Eswatini

Language
English
Anthem
Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati
Duration
1:08
Status
The anthem continues to serve Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) as its national anthem today.

History timeline

  1. Pre-1968

    Extensive ethno-musicological fieldwork was conducted in Eswatini.

  2. Pre-1968

    David Kenneth Rycroft composed the music, and Andrease Enoke Fanyana Simelane wrote the lyrics.

  3. Pre-1968

    The anthem was crafted as a compromise between Swazi and Western musical styles.

  4. 1968

    Adopted on September 6th, marking Swaziland's independence.

Its blend of Swazi intricate polyphony and Western music makes it a prime example of the 'Eastern folk' anthem style.