Composer Sues Comedian Over Viral 'The Circle of Life' Podcast Clip

Lebo M alleges Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi's comments about the iconic Zulu chant from 'The Lion King' are a 'fabricated, trivializing distortion'.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:10pm

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The composer and performer of the opening Zulu chant in 'The Circle of Life' from the Disney film 'The Lion King' is suing a comedian over a viral podcast comment about the song. Lebo M, the South African composer and singer who wrote and performed the chant, has filed a $27 million lawsuit against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi for defamation, libel, and business interference. Jonasi had claimed on a podcast that the chant's translation is simply 'Look, there's a lion. Oh my god,' which Lebo M says is a 'fabricated, trivializing distortion' of the actual metaphorical meaning.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights the cultural significance and artistic ownership of iconic musical works, especially those rooted in non-Western traditions. Lebo M has collaborated extensively with Disney on 'The Lion King' franchise, and he argues Jonasi's comments could jeopardize that relationship. The case also tests the limits of free speech protections for comedians making commentary about creative works.

The details

In a now-viral clip from the podcast 'One54 Africa,' Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi claimed the famous 'The Circle of Life' chant from 'The Lion King,' which begins 'Nants'ingonyama bagithi Baba,' simply translates to 'Look, there's a lion. Oh my god.' However, Lebo M, the South African composer and singer who wrote and performed the chant, alleges in his lawsuit that the chant is a form of royal praise poetry with a more metaphorical meaning of 'All hail the king, we all bow in the presence of the king.' Lebo M is suing Jonasi for $27 million, claiming the comedian's comments amount to defamation, libel, and business interference that could impact Lebo M's longtime collaboration with Disney on the 'The Lion King' franchise.

  • Lebo M filed the lawsuit on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The viral podcast clip featuring Learnmore Jonasi's comments was released last month.

The players

Lebo M

A South African composer and singer who wrote and performed the iconic opening Zulu chant in 'The Circle of Life' from the Disney film 'The Lion King.'

Learnmore Jonasi

A Zimbabwean comedian who made comments on a podcast about the translation of the 'The Circle of Life' chant from 'The Lion King.'

Disney

The entertainment company that owns the rights to 'The Lion King' franchise, with which Lebo M has a longtime collaborative relationship.

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What they’re saying

“Jonasi's reduction to 'Look, there's a lion. Oh my god' is not a simplified translation — it is a fabricated, trivializing distortion, meant as a sick joke for unlawful self-profit and destruction of the imaginative and artistic work of Lebo M.”

— Lebo M

“I realized that I'm not having a conversation with somebody that actually wants to do that. This person is literally not attacking the joke, but my character.”

— Learnmore Jonasi

What’s next

The lawsuit will likely face challenges due to free speech protections for comedians, but Lebo M's lawyers argue Jonasi's comments went beyond the bounds of protected speech.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues around cultural ownership, artistic integrity, and free expression when it comes to iconic creative works like the music of 'The Lion King.' It raises questions about where the line should be drawn between commentary and defamation, especially for works rooted in non-Western traditions.