National Anthem : Why do we sing the National Anthem?

On big occasions, sporting events, national and international celebrations, we sing our national anthem. We stand still, at ease, our right arm on our chest, and we respectively vocalize the well penned lyrics with careful harmonized melody. The national anthem, Rwanda Nziza, makes us proud, unifies us, reminds us of our heritage, promotes patriotism and gives us a sense of direction. It brings all our emotions together for the greater good! Here is an excerpt of the translated lyrics from the first stanza: ‘Rwanda, our beautiful and dear country Adorned of hills, lakes and volcanoes. Motherland would be always filled of happiness…” This paints a picture of Rwanda and its spectacular appearance. It declares the majestic existence of the land of a thousand hills. While singing, one feels a deeper sense of pride that would otherwise not be felt. “Let us your children: Abanyarwanda, let us proclaim your high facts.” As we speak out these words, we root them in our subconscious. They live forever inside our brain, we stay with them forever! We become lifelong partners with them! And as we speak them out, we feel so attached to them that they become our identity. We accustom our minds to the message it conveys, and we derive from it the confidence of belonging to a prosperous land. Moreover, we manifest our confidence to others during the events such as international conferences, sports etc. We sing the anthem because we firmly believe that we belong to a majestic nation that gives us an IDENTITY. The hymn takes us back, it portrays our heritage. The hymn reminds us that we have inherited the land and hence we have responsibility over it. The anthem proclaims the core of underlying cultures that unify us, our language, our conscience and our intelligence. “Our valorous ancestors gave themselves bodies and souls. As far as making you a big nation .You overcame the colonial-imperialistic yoke that has devastated Africa entirely and has your joy of your sovereign independence acquired that constantly we will defend.” It is from these words that we commit our souls and bodies to the everlasting glorious stewardship of our land. Our National Anthem announces our ancestors heroism and courage and calls to walk in their moccasins, we wear their shoes and strive for the betterment of our mother land. It motivates us to push further, to curse and cast immoral behaviors. It calls us to appreciate the efforts of the heroes who fought for our liberty and freedom. Who does not want to sing for the heroes that set foundation for us? Moreover, our National Anthem gives us a sense of direction so that we do not meander like plane without compass but rather we match towards the dream that it portrays. We have a compass that guides us.We desire to attain a prosperous future, a future full of harmony. We toil day and night to attain the mission embodied in the anthem. The music is powerful and moving, it is so alluring, that it incites and brings all our emotions together. From South to North, East to West, down to the center of Kigali City, we hail and reason together as one. It calls for social movement and transformation. The events around it being written are deeply rooted into our history. The rhythm and the beat of the music captivate and prompt nature to abide with us. Let us sing it proud, loud and long. Let the voices of jubilation reign and prevail over the valleys of the ridged mountains. The echoes of comfort, confidence disperse around the world. Let the young and the old vocalize it. It unites us, acknowledges our heritage, valuates our citizenship and commits us to a better world. emmanirakiza18@yahoo.com