Debout Congolais (Arise Congolese) is the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was first adopted in 1960 upon independence but replaced in 1971 when the country became Zaire. It was reinstated when Laurent Kabila came to power in 1997. The words are by Joseph Lutumba and the music is by Simon-Pierre Boka di Mpasi Londi .

French Lyrics

CHOIR
Debout Congolais,
Unis par le sort,
Unis dans l'effort pour l'indépendance,
Dressons nos fronts longtemps courbés
Et pour de bon prenons le plus bel élan, dans la paix,
O peuple ardent, par le labeur, nous bâtirons un pays plus beau qu'avant, dans la paix.

VERSE
Citoyens, entonnez l'hymne sacré de votre solidarité,
Fièrement, saluez l'emblème d'or de votre souveraineté, Congo.

REFRAIN
Don béni, (Congo) des aïeux (Congo),
O pays (Congo) bien aimé (Congo),
Nous peuplerons ton sol et nous assurerons ta grandeur.
(Trente juin) O doux soleil (trente juin) de trente juin,
(Jour sacré) Sois le témoin (jour sacré) de l'immortel serment de liberté
Que nous léguons à notre postérité pour toujours.

English Translation

CHOIR
Arise, Congolese, united by fate,
United in the struggle for independence,
Let us hold up our heads, so long bowed,
And now, for good, let us keep moving boldly ahead, in peace.
Oh, ardent people, by hard work we shall build,
In peace, a country more beautiful than before.

VERSE
Countrymen, sing the sacred hymn of your solidarity,
Proudly salute the golden emblem of your sovereignty, Congo.

REFRAIN
Blessed gift (Congo) of our forefathers (Congo),
Oh (Congo) beloved country (Congo),
We shall people your soil and ensure your greatness.
(30th June) Oh gentle sun (30th June) of 30th June,
(Sacred day) Be witness (sacred day) of the immortal oath of freedom
That we hand on to our children for ever.

Note: The words in parenthesis are to be sung by Choir, the rest are to be sung by "Soloists"