South African composer and producer Lebo M has filed a lawsuit against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi, accusing him of defamation and misrepresentation over comments made about a well-known chant from The Lion King.
The legal dispute stems from remarks Jonasi made during a podcast appearance, where he offered a translation of the opening Zulu chant “Nants’ingonyama bagithi Baba,” a phrase closely associated with Lebo M’s work on the globally recognised Disney production.
The comments in question were made during an appearance on the One54 Africa podcast, where Jonasi discussed the chant while engaging with hosts in a light-hearted segment.
During the exchange, Jonasi stated that the phrase translates to “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God.”
The clip circulated widely on social media platforms, gaining traction as part of Jonasi’s comedic commentary and broader discussions about African culture in global media.
However, Lebo M has challenged the accuracy of that translation, stating that the interpretation is incorrect and misrepresents the cultural and artistic significance of the chant.
According to Lebo M, the chant carries a more reverential meaning tied to themes of leadership and honour. He maintains that the phrase is better understood as an expression akin to “All hail the king” or “We bow before him.”
The composer argues that the version presented by Jonasi trivialises the work and reduces a culturally significant piece of music to a comedic misinterpretation.
The chant forms part of the opening sequence of The Lion King, one of Disney’s most commercially successful and culturally impactful productions.
Lebo M’s contributions to the soundtrack have been widely credited with shaping the film’s African musical identity.
In court filings, Lebo M alleges that Jonasi’s remarks constitute defamation and have caused reputational harm.
He argues that: the statements were factually incorrect, they were presented in a public forum with a wide audience and their viral spread amplified the alleged damage
The lawsuit further claims that the remarks could have negative implications for Lebo M’s professional relationships and ongoing work, particularly given the global reach of The Lion King brand.
Lebo M is seeking damages amounting to approximately $27 million, citing the scale of the alleged harm and the international exposure of the comments.
According to multiple reports, Lebo M attempted to address the matter privately before initiating legal proceedings.
He is said to have reached out to Jonasi via social media, expressing concern about the remarks and their impact. In that communication, Lebo M reportedly requested a clarification or apology regarding the translation.
However, Jonasi did not issue a public apology.
Instead, he maintained that his comments were made in a comedic context and were not intended to be taken as a literal or authoritative translation.
He also suggested that the conversation could have been used as an opportunity for broader discussion about the meaning of the chant.
Jonasi has defended his remarks as part of a comedic routine, noting that satire and exaggeration are common elements of stand-up and podcast humour.
He has indicated that the translation was not meant to be academically accurate, but rather a humorous interpretation aimed at entertaining audiences.
At the same time, he has acknowledged the attention the clip received following its circulation online, which extended its reach beyond the original podcast audience.
The chant at the centre of the dispute is widely recognised as one of the most iconic elements of The Lion King franchise.
Lebo M’s work on the soundtrack has been credited with bringing authentic African musical influences to a global audience, contributing to the film’s enduring success.
As a result, the composer’s legal team argues that any misrepresentation of the chant’s meaning carries cultural as well as professional implications.
The case is expected to proceed through the legal system, where arguments from both sides will be evaluated, including the intent behind the remarks and the extent of any alleged harm.