Grammy Award-winning South African composer Lebo "Lebo M" Morake has initiated a significant legal battle, filing a $20 million lawsuit against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi. The action, lodged in the United States District Court in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, alleges "damaging misrepresentations, defamatory conduct, and unlawful commercial exploitation" concerning the iconic "Nants' Ingonyama" chant.

The heart of the dispute lies in Jonasi's recent appearance on the One54 Africa podcast. During the show, he made jokes about the meaning of the renowned Zulu chant, famously featured in the opening song "Circle of Life" from Disney's The Lion King. Speaking with Nigerian-American comedian Godfrey C. Danchimah Jr., Jonasi humorously suggested that the chant, widely perceived as deeply profound, simply translates to "Look, there's a lion. Oh my God."

Lebo M, who composed and performed the chant in collaboration with music legends Elton John and Hans Zimmer, vehemently refutes Jonasi's interpretation. The chant has long been celebrated as a powerful embodiment of African heritage and spirituality. In an emotional video shared on Instagram on March 4, Lebo M clarified the chant's true essence, stating it carries deep cultural meaning. He explained, "All hail the king. Bow in the presence of the royal family. It is a metaphor written by myself in Zulu and Xhosa, reflecting South African cultural heritage, language and traditions."

Before resorting to legal action, Lebo M revealed that he had attempted to resolve the matter directly with Jonasi. However, the comedian responded with his own video, not only refusing to apologize but also claiming his character had been attacked. Furthermore, Jonasi appeared to hint at leveraging the controversy to promote an upcoming comedy tour scheduled across Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Uganda.

Tshepo Mboni, Lebo M's global spokesperson, underscored the importance of the lawsuit as a firm stand to protect cultural integrity. Mboni asserted, "'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." The spokesperson concluded by stating, "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."