South African Grammy-winning composer Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake has filed a US$20 million lawsuit in a United States federal court against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Mwanyenyeka Jonasi, following a viral social media discussion about the opening chant from The Lion King.
According to reports, the legal action stems from a widely circulated video in which Jonasi joked about the meaning of the chant “Nants’ Ingonyama,” the iconic opening line featured in the film’s song Circle of Life.
In the clip, the comedian humorously suggested the phrase meant: “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God.” The comment quickly went viral and sparked debate online.
Lebo M has reportedly accused the comedian of misrepresentation, defamation and cultural misappropriation related to the chant.
Lebo M calls out ignorance on ‘Nants’ Ingonyama’ misinterpretation
Grammy Award-winning composer and producer Lebohang Morake , fondly known as Lebo M has come forward to clarify, inform and correct the misinterpretation of the ‘Nants’ Ingonyama’ praise poem on The Lion King.… pic.twitter.com/ubi67mpObn
— Buzz Life News (@BuzzLifenews) March 4, 2026
In a statement issued through his publicity manager, Simphiwe Majola, on 4 March 2026, the composer said the phrase carries deeper cultural meaning.
“It is not an internet remix. It is Praise Imbongi – royal praise poetry carried in metaphor, lineage and living memory,” Lebo stated.
He explained that the chant is rooted in traditional praise poetry associated with Southern African cultures.
“Rooted in the praise traditions of the Zulu and Xhosa people and introduced to global audiences through The Lion King, the chant translates to ‘Here comes a lion’, a proclamation of arrival, honour and sovereignty. It is praise, not parody. It is heritage and not hashtag.”
Lebo M further stated that removing the chant from its cultural context risks distorting its meaning.
“To reinterpret it outside its cultural framework is to detach it from the very tradition that gives it meaning. Its translation is documented. Its origins are lived. Its significance is inherited, not invented.”
Reports indicate that Jonasi later responded in a video, defending his remarks and expressing openness to learning from the situation.
The dispute has now escalated into a high-profile legal matter valued at US$20 million, drawing international attention to questions of cultural interpretation, artistic ownership, and the global legacy of one of Africa’s most recognisable musical chants.
Former Zimbabwean opposition MP Fadzayi Mahere reacted to the developments, writing: “That escalated quickly. I wonder what the basis of the cause of action is.”
The case is expected to proceed in the U.S. federal court system.
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