ZIMBABWEAN comedian Learnmore Jonasi has spoken out about his recent argument with composer Lebo M over the famous The Lion King opening lyrics, Nants' Ingonyama.
Taking to social media, Jonasi explained how the joke started. He admitted he didn't know the meaning behind the lyrics at the time. He said he was shocked by Lebo M's response, which he felt included name-calling and came across as rude.
Jonasi maintained that his comment was intended purely as comedy and not as a sign of disrespect.
"I didn't think I was going to make this video, but because things are getting out of hand, I decided to give you context and my reasons why I chose to dismiss the composer of the Lion King chant, Lebo M," he said.
He said when Lebo M first approached him, it was with the attitude that Jonasi was disrespecting his work.
"I was like no, I am a big fan of yours and I love the song and therefore this was just a joke and comedy has a way of starting a conversation. I told him this, I said that this is your chance to educate people and I was ready to create a video with him," he said.
He said that he personally didn't know it had a deeper meaning.
"This person was now attacking not the job but my character," he said.
Meanwhile, Grammy Award-winning composer Lebo M's team said that he has formally started a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Learnmore.
The lawsuit follows a series of alleged damaging lies, bad behaviour and unlawful commercial use linked to the famous Royal Praise Chant, Nants' Ingonyama.
In a press release, Lebo M's team said the legal action lists multiple reasons, including misleading representation and defamation.
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"At the heart of the matter lies the profound cultural and spiritual significance of ‘Nants' Ingonyama' - a Royal Praise Chant (Imbongi, in metaphor) that has, for decades, served as the opening invocation to one of the most iconic bodies of theatrical and cinematic work in global entertainment. This legal action represents a defining stand for African intellectual property, cultural dignity and narrative ownership on the world stage," they said.
Speaking on behalf of Lebo M, appointed global spokesman Tshepo Mboni stated: "This is not merely a legal matter - it is a cultural correction. ‘Nants' Ingonyama' is not a punchline, nor a casual reference point for exploitation. It is a sacred Royal Praise Chant, rooted in African identity, spirituality and storytelling. We are taking a firm and uncompromising stance against any form of misrepresentation, defamation, or unauthorised commercial use that undermines its significance and Lebo M's legacy."
