Lebo M is preparing for a special return to Broadway on the 13th of November, where he will be welcomed as a guest of honour for the 25th anniversary of The Lion King.
South Africa (29 October 2022) – The eyes of your inner child burn bright as the sun rises over the Savannah to the sounds of “Naaaaaants ingonyama, bakithi Baba”, the goosebump-inducing first lyrics of The Lion King’s opening number, “Circle of Life”.
The iconic voice behind the track belongs to Grammy award-winning South African producer, composer, and vocalist Lebohang Morake, better known as Lebo M.
The Lion King’s theatrical production began a quarter century ago and is still delighting audiences across the globe today. Now, the musical phenomenon is gearing up for something special in celebration of its 25th Jubilee.
Since Lebo M’s initial collaboration with German composer Hans Zimmer on the original soundtrack in 1994, the South African has helped the classic Disney story echo its timeless roar from screen to stage as the first black composer in history, whose compositions have come to life on Broadway for 25 years.
When the musical first opened its curtains in New York, Lebo made a point to bolster the production with African talent, employing the original remaining Sarafina cast members as its first hires. Since then, Lebo M and Disney Theatricals have continued to collectively bring in the largest number of South African and African talent to perform on the most prestigious stages around the world simultaneously.
At 25 years, this marks South Africa as having the longest-working talent on Broadway in its history.
In 2007, Lebo M brought The Lion King theatrical production home, running the show as its first and only black producer during its 10th worldwide production, breaking records in a high-end African theatre that has hosted the likes of Phantom of the Opera and CATS. Currently, Lebo M is preparing for a special return to Broadway on the 13th of November, where he will be welcomed as a guest of honour for the 25th anniversary of The Lion King.
As part of the celebrations, Lebo M will grace audiences, colleagues, and fans with an exceptional 30-minute performance. The African sun will rise once again over the Savannah with lyrics roaring to life from the voice that started it all.
While we wait for the auspicious occasion, watch the emotional first rehearsal of Broadway’s return after the pandemic:
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