English: The Song of Dessalines | |
---|---|
National anthem of Haiti | |
Lyrics | Justin Lhérisson, 1903 |
Music | Nicolas Geffrard, 1903 |
Adopted | January 1, 1904 |
Audio sample | |
U.S. Navy Band instrumental version (one verse) |
"La Dessalinienne" (French pronunciation: [la dɛs.salinjɛn]; Haitian Creole: "Desalinyèn"; English: "The Dessalines Song") is the national anthem of Haiti. This march was written by Justin Lhérisson and composed by Nicolas Geffrard.[1][2]
"La Dessalinienne" is named in honor of Haiti's revolutionary leader and first ruler Jean-Jacques Dessalines.[3] The title was suggested by historian Clément Lanier.[4]
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Haitian Revolution, a competition was held for a national anthem in 1903. The poetic words of Justin Lhérisson and martial composition of Nicolas Geffrard won over the judges,[5] who preferred it to "L'Artibonitienne" by Capois diplomat Louis Edouard Pouget.[4]
The anthem was premiered at an October 1903 celebration of the Armée Indigène's entry into Port-au-Prince organised by the Association du Petit Théâtre.[4] It was sung by Auguste de Pradines, also known as Kandjo.[6]: 47 The text and music were printed at Bernard's in Port-au-Prince and distributed throughout the country during the week.[4] It was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1904.[5]
As a one-verse rendition can be relatively short, a common way to lengthen a performance is to perform an abridged arrangement consisting of the first verse immediately followed by the last.[1]
French lyrics (official)[7][8] | English translation |
---|---|
I |
I |
A Haitian Creole version was created by Raymond A. Moise, and Haitian singer Ansy Dérose (1934–1998) helped popularize it in 1980. Although it became widely accepted, it is not official.[1][9]
Haitian Creole lyrics (unofficial)[9][10][11] | IPA transcription[a] | English translation |
---|---|---|
I |
1 |
I |
National anthem of the Americas | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
Regions |
| |
Sovereign states |
| |
|