Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake,[1] known professionally as Lebo M, is a South African composer most famous for arranging and performing music for theLion King movies and stage productions. He was recommended to Disney by Hans Zimmer, the score composer of The Lion King, and was later hired to form and conduct the African choir that sang for the movies. His voice is the first voice heard in the beginning of the film, singing the now famous chant (often considered synonymous with the film's image in popular culture) over the opening sequence. He also contributed to the sequel to the film's soundtrack, Rhythm of the Pride Lands, and the film's direct-to-video sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.
Born May 20, 1964 in Apartheid-ridden Soweto and inspired by Nelson Mandela, he spent years working hard in the slums and then in Los Angeles in a variety of jobs, including begging and serving atMcDonald's. He was exiled from South Africa in 1979, but returned 20 years later. He lives with his family in Johannesburg and Los Angeles. He founded the Lebo M Foundation and Till Dawn Entertainment.
Controversy
On 5 March 2005, Lebo M said in his acceptance speech at the Naledi Theatre Awards that he was upset at being seated at the back row of the function and that the theatre industry did not recognise black people.
“I found it unfortunate that I produced the biggest show in South Africa and am in the last row. I feel insulted. I got invited to the Oscars and I have a Grammy,” Lebo M said in his acceptance speech. The response attained was one of uncertainty, as much of the audience accepted that he was joking until he informed them that he was not.
The comments were not well met. Nicola Danby, CEO of Business and Arts South Africa, said: “His timing was not fantastic. The fact that he opened a real grievance with a whine about where he was sitting trivialised his comments."
It was argued that Lebo M did have a seat reserved for him in the front row, and that he failed to arrive early and was seated at the back as not to disrupt the performance.
