Grammy-winning South African composer Lebohang Morake, known as Lebo M, has filed a lawsuit against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, also known as Learnmore Jonasi, alleging that he deliberately misrepresented the opening chant of Disney’s “The Lion King.”
Morake claims Jonasi’s stand-up routine and recent podcast interview distorted the meaning of the song, which he wrote and performed in Zulu and Xhosa for the 1994 animated film, stage adaptations, and the 2019 remake. According to Morake, Jonasi presented a literal translation: “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my god”, in place of the chant’s intended meaning, which honours kingship and triumph.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles federal court, accuses Jonasi of mocking the cultural significance of the chant and interfering with Morake’s business relationships with Disney, claiming more than $20 million in damages plus $7 million in punitive damages.
Jonasi, who performed a similar joke during a March 12 stand-up show in Los Angeles, defended his approach on Instagram, calling it a way to spark conversation and educate audiences. He said he initially considered collaborating with Morake to clarify the chant’s meaning but withdrew after private exchanges became tense.
Disney has not commented on the dispute. Morake’s complaint argues that Jonasi presented his translation as fact rather than satire, and therefore it is not protected by the First Amendment.
