'Lion King' star Lebo M targets comic over viral clip

The man behind one of cinema’s most iconic chants is roaring back but this time in court.

Lebo M, the legendary voice and composer behind the unforgettable opening of The Lion King, has launched a jaw-dropping £21 million ($27m) lawsuit against comedian Learnmore Jonasi over claims he butchered the meaning of the famous chant.

At the centre of the storm is the powerful line “Nants’ingonyama bagithi Baba”, a spine-tingling moment that has captivated audiences for decades. 

But during a podcast appearance, Jonasi allegedly reduced its meaning to a cheeky: “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God.”

According to explosive court documents, the music maestro claims the joke crossed the line, accusing the comic of presenting the translation as fact rather than humour, while “mocking the chant’s cultural significance” with exaggerated impressions.

Lebo insists the true meaning is far more regal and profound: “All hail the king, we bow before him.”

The chant, composed alongside film score legend Hans Zimmer with songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, helped catapult the Disney smash into global superstardom, with both the 1994 original and its 2019 remake raking in massive success.

After the clip went viral, Lebo reportedly reached out privately, but tensions only escalated when Jonasi allegedly stood by his comments.

Now, it’s heading for a courtroom showdown, with Lebo demanding damages and a jury trial.

RELATED: Miley Cyrus hints at 'Disney' superstar cameo in anniversary special