La Zaïroise by Joseph Lutumba (lyrics) and Simon-Pierre Boka Di Mpasi Londi (music) was the national anthem of Zaïre from 1972 to 1997.

[edit] Original lyrics in French

Zaïrois dans la paix retrouvée,

Peuple uni, nous sommes Zaïrois

En avant fier et plein de dignité

Peuple grand, peuple libre à jamais

Tricolore, enflamme nous du feu sacré

Pour bâtir notre pays toujours plus beau

Autour d'un fleuve Majesté (2×)

Tricolore au vent, ravive l'idéal

Qui nous relie aux aïeux, à nos enfants

Paix, justice et travail. (2×)

[edit] English translation

Zairians, living in rediscovered peace,

United people, we are Zairians;

Let us go forward, proud and dignified.

A great people, a people forever free.

Tricolored flag, light in us the sacred flame,

To build our country with more beauty than before,

Around the majestic river;

Around the majestic river.

Tricolored flag in the wind, revive the ideal,

Which links us to our ancestors and our children,

Peace, justice, and work;

Peace, justice, and work.