Grammy Winner Lebo M Sues Zimbabwean Comedian for $20 Million Over Lion King Chant Controversy
LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2026 — Grammy Award-winning South African composer Lebo “Lebo M” Morake has filed a $20 million lawsuit against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi, alleging defamation and the unauthorized commercial exploitation of his iconic chant, “Nants’ Ingonyama.” The legal action, lodged in the United States District Court in Los Angeles, claims Jonasi’s comments on a popular podcast have tarnished the cultural significance of the chant featured in Disney’s The Lion King opening song, “Circle of Life.”
The dispute traces back to Jonasi’s appearance on the One54 Africa podcast, hosted by Nigerian-American comedian Godfrey C. Danchimah Jr. During the interview, Jonasi joked about the chant’s meaning, suggesting it was far less profound than widely believed. “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God,” he quipped, sparking outrage among fans and cultural advocates.
Created by Lebo M in collaboration with Elton John and Hans Zimmer, “Nants’ Ingonyama” has long been celebrated as a powerful tribute to African heritage. The chant, sung in Zulu and Xhosa, is deeply rooted in South African traditions and spirituality. In a heartfelt Instagram video shared on March 4, Lebo M emphasized its cultural importance, describing it as a “metaphor written by myself in Zulu and Xhosa, reflecting South African cultural heritage, language, and traditions.”
Lebo M also revealed that he had attempted to resolve the matter privately with Jonasi. However, the comedian responded with defiance, releasing his own video refusing to apologize and accusing Lebo M of attacking his character. Jonasi further hinted at leveraging the controversy to promote his upcoming comedy tour across Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Uganda.
The lawsuit claims Jonasi’s actions have resulted in “damaging misrepresentations, defamatory conduct, and unlawful commercial exploitation” of the chant. Lebo M’s global spokesperson, Tshepo Mboni, issued a statement underscoring the composer’s commitment to protecting cultural integrity.
“‘Nants’ Ingonyama’ is not a punchline, nor a casual reference point for exploitation,” Mboni said. “It is a sacred Royal Praise Chant rooted in African identity, spirituality, and storytelling. We are taking a firm and uncompromising stance against any form of misrepresentation, defamation, or unauthorized commercial use that undermines its significance and Lebo M’s legacy.”
The case has ignited widespread debate on social media, with many applauding Lebo M for defending African cultural heritage. Others argue that Jonasi’s comments were intended as humor and should not be taken seriously.
As the legal battle unfolds, the controversy highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and cultural respect. It also raises questions about the responsibility of public figures in safeguarding traditional art forms that hold deep meaning for communities worldwide.
Lebo M, known globally for his contributions to The Lion King soundtrack, has long been a champion of African music and storytelling. His lawsuit against Jonasi marks a bold effort to preserve the sanctity of his work and the cultural values it represents.
The case is expected to take several months to resolve, with both sides preparing to present their arguments in court.
— Reported by Nexio News
