Global Black Voices: News from around the World
- Lebo M is suing Learnmore Jonasi for $27 million over alleged misuse of the song The Circle of Life lyrics.
- Jonasi translated "Nants ingonyama bagithi baba" as "Look, there is a lion. Oh my God," sparking the complaint of misrepresentation.
- One54 Africa Podcast hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila and comedian Godfrey interviewed Jonasi and discussed the lyrics.
- Attempts to resolve the dispute privately failed, leading Lebo M to pursue legal action.
- Jonasi launched a GoFundMe for his defence; current total about $27,132 and a new $30,000 target announced.
Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi has raised his GoFundMe target by $10 000 – from $20 000 to $30 000 – after surpassing the initial figure.
The purpose of the funds is to fight a $27 million (R444 million) lawsuit brought on by The Lion King composer Lebo M after Jonasi, whose real name is Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, went on a podcast and translated the opening lines of the song The Circle of Life, which Lebo M wrote and produced.
Spoke about the lyrics
Akbar Gbajabiamila and comedian Godfrey, both Nigerian-American, hosted Mwanyenyeka on their One54 Africa Podcast, where they spoke about the lyrics at the beginning of the movie’s theme song, Circle of Life, among other topics.
Mwanyenyeka said the translation for “Nants ingonyama bagithi baba” amounted to “Look, there is a lion. Oh my God,” which, according to Lebo M, is a damaging misrepresentation.
Upon failing to resolve his grievance with Jonasi in private, Lebo M went the legal route.
Jonasi initiated the GoFundMe with a target of $20 000 (R330 000), as reported by The South African on 28 March, which he has since surpassed.
The total currently stands at $27 132 (R446 000).
The new target is $30 000 (R493 000).
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