Lebo M Sues Comedian Learnmore Jonasi Over Lion King Chant Misrepresentation
Grammy-winning South African composer Lebohang Morake (known as Lebo M) has filed a lawsuit against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Mwanyenyeka (known as Learnmore Jonasi). The lawsuit alleges that Jonasi intentionally misrepresented the meaning of the opening chant in Disney's The Lion King's song "Circle of Life," causing damage to Morake's reputation and business relationships.
Allegations of Misrepresentation
Morake's lawsuit claims Jonasi intentionally mistranslated the Zulu and Xhosa chant during podcast interviews and standup routines.
Disney's official translation of "Nants’ingonyama bagithi Baba" is "All hail the king, we all bow in the presence of the king."
Morake states the subsequent phrase "Hay! baba, sizongqoba" translates to "through you we will emerge victoriously."
Jonasi, however, translated the initial phrase as "Look, there's a lion. Oh my god," which prompted laughter from podcast hosts. Morake's lawyers contend that while "ingonyama" can literally mean "lion," it is used as a royal metaphor in the song. The lawsuit argues Jonasi presented his translation as "authoritative fact, not comedy," thereby not qualifying for First Amendment protections typically afforded to parody or satire.
Financial Claims and Background
Morake is seeking over US$20 million in actual damages and US$7 million in punitive damages. The complaint states Jonasi's viral statements are interfering with Morake's business relationships with Disney and his income from royalties. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Los Angeles.
Jonasi's statements were reportedly made in the broader context of his critique of The Lion King franchise for allegedly profiting from simplistic narratives about Africa for non-African audiences.
Jonasi stated he is a "big fan" of Morake's work and initially sought to collaborate on a video to explain the chant's meaning.
However, he reportedly changed his mind after Morake called him "self-hating" during their exchange of messages.