National Anthem

It is reported that the music of the national anthem of Lesotho was composed by Ferdinand-Samuel Laur (1791 - 1854) in 18XX. The lyrics to the anthem were then penned by Francois Coillard (1834 - 1904), bith Frenchmen. It is a simple anthem, which speaks of the love of the Basothos for their country and their desire that God looks after it. The anthem refers to the homeland bing the land of the forefathers, and to Lesotho's being the most beautiful country in the world. In effect, it is an ode to the country.

The lyrics of the national anthem in Sesotho are as follows:

Lesotho fatse la bontat'a rona,

Har'a mafatse le letle ke lona.

Ke moo re hlahileng,

Ke moo re holileng,

Rea la rata.

Molimo ak'u boloke Lesotho,

U felise lintoa le matsoenyeho.

Oho fatse lena,

La bontat'a rona,

Le be le khotso.

The lyrics of the national anthem, translated into English are as follows:

Lesotho, land of our Fathers,

You are the most beautiful country of all.

You give us birth,

In you we are reared

And you are dear to us.

Lord, we ask you to protect Lesotho.

Keep us free from conflict and tribulation

Oh, land of mine,

Land of our Fathers,

May you have peace.

To listen to an instrumental version of the national anthem click here.