Speaking to OkayAfrica's CEO Abiola Oke, Lebo M talks about his musical journey with the film saying, "The Lion King is probably the first film that speaks of Africa, Africans and our culture in a way that is so positive." He adds that, "The impact of the music starts with the very first two-and-a-half minutes of the opening of the movie which I did as a demo. The music became the inspiration for how the rest of the soundtrack was going to be developed and therefore complemented the script and the story line."
Dr. John Kani, who is the voice of Rafiki, speaks about seeing Lebo M's work on The Lion King on broadway when he was in New York, simply describing it as "magic."
The Lion King music's varying elements presents something different for every music lover. Brazilian artist, Rincon Sapiência, echoes this sentiment by describing how he could even hear a tinge of funk coming through in the sound, representing a unique musical diversity that is sure to stick with listeners. While Khaya Mthethwa, the director of Choral, says the music will continue to carry on for generations, ultimately becoming an undying musical legacy.
Back in New York, we spoke with choreographers Izzy Odigie and Luam Keflegzy, who speak on the growing prominence of afrobeats and describe how they've personally been moved by the iconic music from The Lion King.
The original Lion King came around at a time when Africa's musical contributions seemed to be overlooked, and for many, the film helped bring it to the forefront. Now, there's absolutely no denying it's cultural impact.
"It's kind of beautiful and serendipitous that the Lion King came out the way it did," says star producer Pharrell Williams. "Because it was kind of a commercial reminder to the world—the accepting cultures, the resisting cultures—that Africa is a force."
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Video Credits
Director: Chika Okoli
Producers: Chika Okoli, Oyinkan Olojede + Sazi Mbalekwa
Production Assistant: Nadia Balogou
DPs: Bonga Nkomo, Leandro Caproni + Shaheen Soofi
Sound: Anaka Morris
Editors: Kanil Ward, Sheriff Ahmed + Shaheen Soofi
Colorist: Shaheen Soofi
Post Sound: Eric Stapleton
