"Mungu ibariki Afrika" (English: "God bless Africa") is the national anthem of Tanzania.
"Mungu ibariki Afrika" used the tune to "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" with a Swahili translation of the words.
It is not known who composed the lyrics, but it is known that it was Samuel Mqhayi and Enoch Sontonga who created the early versions used by the African National Congress.
[2] "Mungu ibariki Afrika" was inspired by the African National Congress's (ANC) use of "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" ("God Bless Africa") as its party song after its use at Ohlange High School.
[5][6][7] "Mungu ibariki Afrika" is also used as a hymn requesting Tanzania remain united and independent.
The wording of "Mungu ibariki Afrika" was intended to help offset this by being inclusive of the different religious views.
[10] In 2007, a legal issue arose over the anthem, after students who were members of the Jehovah's Witnesses refused to sing the song at their primary and secondary schools in Mbozi District, Mbeya Region.
[10][11] The Court of Appeal of Tanzania overturned that ruling on 12 July 2013, indicating that the disciplinary action taken by the school was unlawful and stating that there was no obligation to sing the national anthem in Tanzanian law.