A song from Tanzania (then called the ‘Tanganyika’) celebrating the end of colonial British rule. This song was popular on the verge of Independence in 1961.
Freedom and the Republic!
Colonialism will soon end,
The flag will be lowered,
We shall lock the door.
Goodbye, Mr Coloniser,
Sir, this is no joke!
We know you’re angry.
Sir, don’t be mad.
Freedom and the Republic!
from Oral Poetry from Africa 1984
compiled by Jack Mapanje and Landeg White,
Longman
