The Cherifian Anthem (; ), was first adopted in 1970. Composed by French military officer and chief of music for the royal Moroccan guard , it has been in use since the French protectorate period. Lyrics were written for it by Ali Squalli Houssaini and adopted in 1970. History The anthem's melody was composed by , a French military officer and chief of music for the royal Moroccan guard, during the French protectorate, The anthem was believed to have been composed in 1952, or four years before Morocco got back its independence from France and Spain. After the Moroccan national football team qualified for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico for the first time, the idea to write lyrics for the anthem was proposed. Lyrics by writer Ali Squalli Houssaini were either chosen as part of a competition by King Hassan II, or by direct commission of the King to write the lyrics. Lyrics Notes References External links Audio file of the "Hymne Cherifen" (.mp3) Video file with transliteration (archive link) African anthems National symbols of Morocco Moroccan songs Royal anthems National anthem compositions in F major National anthem compositions in F minor 1956 songs