CA Country Anthems

Tonga National Anthem History

Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga

Tonga's national anthem, officially "Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga," was first performed in 1874, though it likely existed earlier. Composed by Karl Gustavus Schmitt with lyrics by Prince Uelingatoni Ngū Tupoumalohi, it praises the Tongan Royal House.

Tonga Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga

Tonga

Language
Tongan
Anthem
Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga
Duration
0:49
Status
Today, the anthem is officially known as “Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga” but is more commonly referred to by its unofficial, popular title, “Fasi Fakafonua.”

History timeline

  1. Pre-1874

    The music by Karl Gustavus Schmitt and lyrics by Prince Uelingatoni Ngū Tupoumalohi were likely in use.

  2. 1874

    The anthem, "Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga," was first publicly performed.

  3. 1874-Present

    The anthem's reference to "King Tupou" came to signify the Tongan Royal House and all its ruling monarchs.

  4. Ongoing

    Despite its official title, the anthem became more popularly known as "Fasi Fakafonua" (National Song).

The anthem's reference to "King Tupou" is not about a specific monarch at the time of writing, but rather the name of the Tongan Royal House and therefore all rulers since 1874.