Lebo M Jonasi lawsuit filed over viral Lion King chant joke, with composer claiming misrepresentation and seeking $27 million damages
Grammy-winning composer Lebo M has filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Los Angeles in March 2026 against comedian Jonasi over a viral joke about the iconic opening chant from The Lion King, alleging misrepresentation and financial harm.
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The Lebo M Jonasi lawsuit stems from a stand-up routine and podcast appearance in which Jonasi humorously offered a simplified and incorrect translation of the chant “Nants’ingonyama bagithi Baba,” suggesting it meant “look, there’s a lion, oh my God.” The clip spread widely online, attracting millions of views and sparking debate over its interpretation.
According to court filings, Morake, the original performer and creator associated with the chant, claims that the comedic interpretation went beyond harmless humour and instead distorted the cultural and artistic significance of the work. He alleges that the remarks damaged his reputation and undermined the perceived value of the composition.
Morake further argues that the viral nature of the clip led some viewers to accept the translation as accurate, thereby creating confusion around the chant’s meaning and affecting its cultural integrity.
The lawsuit also claims the misrepresentation interfered with potential commercial opportunities, including royalty-related interests linked to Disney.
The composer is seeking approximately $27 million in damages, citing both reputational and financial losses. The legal action underscores growing tensions around intellectual property, cultural ownership and the impact of viral content in the digital age.
In response, Jonasi has stated that he did not intend to cause harm. He publicly shared footage of the moment he was served legal papers during a live performance and has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his legal defence, describing the situation as overwhelming and a threat to his livelihood.
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Jonasi has also expressed respect for Morake’s work and initially suggested a possible collaboration to clarify the chant’s meaning, although no such agreement has been reached. The case continues to attract attention as it progresses through the U.S. legal system.
