‘Koste Seselwa’, a sense of pride and belonging |18 June 2023
David Andre (right) and Georges Payet (Photo: Roland Duval)
A patriotic musical composition evoking and eulogising the history, traditions, environment and unity of the Seychellois people, ‘Koste Seselwa’ was recognised by our nation’s government as the official national song, or the national anthem of the Third Republic in 1996.
It became official after the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles, dated June 21, 1993.
The end product of a joint effort between well-known musicians David André, ex-Mayor of Victoria, and Georges Payet still sounds new to them whenever they both hear it.
A combination of their initial entries for the competition launched to create new national symbols for the Third Republic, ‘Koste Seselwa’ was written in a single day, according to Mr Payet.
According to the pair, they were approached, along with a third individual, namely Antoine Azemia, by the organising committee who suggested that they work together and come up with something new, as their initial submission each contained something they were looking for.
They said, after Mr Azemia decided to back out, the duo settled in an old house at La Plaine St André where they worked in harmony, pasting bits and pieces, before coming up with the final result.
Mr André said they were so committed and wanted to produce something good for the country that they spent a lot of time preparing individually, before starting the joint work session.
Russian orchestra expert and band conductor Anatoli Savatinov then worked on the arrangement.
‘Koste Seselwa’ was recorded for the first time by the l'Orchestre de la Garde républicaine in Paris, where Mr André had the chance to attend and witness the event.
They both agreed that each line of the national anthem is from very deep within them and there is always a sense of pride and belonging each time they hear it.
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Creole lyrics
Sesel ou menm nou sel patri
Kot nou viv dan larmoni
Lazwa, lanmour ek lape
Nou remersye Bondye
Prezerv labote nou pei
Larises nou losean
En leritaz byen presye
Pour boner nou zanfan
Reste touzour dan linite
Fer monte nou paviyon
Ansanm pour tou leternite
Koste Seselwa!
English translation
Seychelles, our only motherland
Where we live in harmony
Happiness, love and peace
We give thanks to God
Preserve the beauty of our country
The riches of our oceans
A precious heritage
For the happiness of our children
Live forever in unity
Raise our flag
Together for all eternity
Join together all Seychellois
French translation
Seychelles, notre seule patrie
Où nous vivons en harmonie
La joie, l'amour et la paix
Nous remercions le Bon Dieu!
Préservons la beauté de notre pays
La richesse de notre océan
Un héritage très précieux
Pour le bonheur de nos enfants
Restons toujours unis
Élevons notre drapeau
Ensemble pour l'éternité
Unissons-nous Seychellois!
Roland Duval