"The Banner of Freedom" (Samoan: "O Le Fuʻa o Le Saʻolotoga o Sāmoa" [o‿le fuʔa o‿le saʔolotoŋa o saːmoa]), known also as "Sāmoa Tulaʻi" ([saːmoa tulaʔi]; "Samoa, Arise") is the national anthemofSamoa. Both the words (which reference the country's flag) and the music were composed by Sauni Iiga Kuresa. The anthem was composed in response to a public competition to select a new anthem when the United Nations conferred self-government on Samoa in 1948[1] and was chosen from among 15 entries.[2] It was performed publicly for the first time on 1 June 1948[3] and was subsequently played at all public ceremonies attended by the High Commissioner and performed after "God Save the Queen" on official occasions.[1] It was retained as the national anthem upon Samoa's gaining of independence from New Zealand in 1962.
National anthem of Samoa | |
| Lyrics | Sauni Iiga Kuresa |
|---|---|
| Music | Sauni Iiga Kuresa |
| Adopted | 1962 |
| Audio sample | |
Orchestral instrumental rendition
| |
The anthem is recognised by the Official Flag and National Anthem of Samoa Act 1994. When it is sung or played in public, people and vehicles must stop and remain stationary until the performance is complete.[4]
| Samoan original[5][6][7][8] | IPA transcription[a] |
|---|---|
𝄆 [saː.mo.a tu.la.ʔi ma si.si i.a lau̯ fu.ʔa lou̯ pa.le le.a] 𝄇 |
| Literal translation[9][10] | Common translation[5] |
|---|---|
𝄆 Samoa, arise and raise your flag, your crown! 𝄇 |
𝄆 Samoa, arise and raise your banner that is your crown! 𝄇 |
