In the run-up to independence on 7 July 1978, the government of Solomon Islands decided that it needed a national anthem for the occasion.
[2] Balekana, who had moved to Solomon Islands in 1953 to work as a government mechanic, and his wife, Matila, decided to jointly enter the competition as a team.
The couple agreed that the new anthem should be in the form of a prayer, asking God to support and guide the new island nation.
After he woke up from the dream, Balekana and his wife immediately began writing words and lyrics, as well as composing the tune.
[2] Once the lyrics and music had been composed, Panapasa and Matila received help recording the prospective anthem from the Wesley United Church choir at the couple's own congregation.