After gaining independence in 1980, changing its name from Rhodesia, Zimbabwe’s first anthem was the popular African anthem “God Bless Africa”, with the lyrics translated into the native Shona language. “God Bless Africa” is a popular song and anthem in southern Africa, and was seen as a song symbolizing the struggle of the native African people, which symbolized to Zimbabweans their struggle of achieving independence after white rule.
See also: South Africa (1994-1997).