It was enacted on October 24, 1964, the day after the country gained independence. Previously, Zambia was a British protectorate of Northern Rhodesia, and its flag was a defaced Blue Ensign. The new national flag is a vertical red strip with a white star on a blue background. The new national anthem was also adopted at this time. "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (God Bless Africa) is based on a traditional song that has been used in many African countries as a celebration song. It was written by South African poet laureate Kenneth Kaunda and first sung at a public function in Lusaka on 10 December 1963. Zambia's coat of arms was also approved that same year. It shows a shield divided into two parts: on the left is a representation of Lusaka, the capital; on the right is a representation of rural Zambia. The colors are gold and black, which are also the flags of Zimbabwe and Malawi, respectively. In addition to being president of Zambia from 1964 to 1991, Kenneth Kaunda also served as foreign minister from 1979 to 1984 and prime minister from 1984 to 1994. He then went on to become one of Africa's most prominent politicians after leaving office.