Lebo M shuts down ‘Nants’ Ingonyama’ remix narrative, defends its royal African roots

Lebo M

Grammy Award-winning composer and producer Lebo M, born Lebohang Morake, has firmly addressed the growing online misinterpretation of “Nants’ Ingonyama,” the powerful opening chant from The Lion King.

The clarification follows viral commentary by Zimbabwean stand-up comedian Learnmore Jonasi, which sparked renewed debate around the meaning of the iconic chant.

In a statement released through his publicity manager Simphiwe Majola, Lebo M emphasised that “Nants’ Ingonyama” is not a pop culture catchphrase or internet remix, but a deeply rooted expression of African royal praise poetry.

“It is not an internet remix. It is Praise Imbongi – royal praise poetry carried in metaphor, lineage and living memory. Rooted in the praise traditions of the Zulu and Xhosa people and introduced to global audiences through The Lion King, the chant translates to ‘Here comes a lion’, a proclamation of arrival, honor and sovereignty. It is praise, not parody. It is heritage and not hashtag,” he said.

Lebo M stressed that removing the chant from its cultural and spiritual context strips it of its meaning.

“To reinterpret it outside its cultural framework is to detach it from the very tradition that gives it meaning. Its translation is documented. Its origins are lived. Its significance is inherited, not invented,” he added.

He further clarified that “Nants’ Ingonyama” stands independently from the English composition “Circle of Life,” explaining that it was conceived and performed as an African vocal proclamation grounded in Southern African tradition.

“I recorded Nants’ Ingonyama as Praise Imbongi, Royal Praise in Metaphor. It is a declaration of kingship and ancestral authority. The 2019 soundtrack liner notes finally published the contextual translation to ensure clarity. African language carries weight, spirituality and history. I will always stand in protection of its dignity,” Lebo M noted.

For more than three decades, the chant has introduced global audiences to authentic African vocal tradition.

The 2019 soundtrack release formally documented its translation, reinforcing its royal and spiritual significance.

Closing the statement, his publicist underscored that while conversation is welcome, cultural misrepresentation is not.

“We welcome discussion. What we do not welcome is the erosion of cultural literacy. Lebo M did not simply perform a song, he introduced African language and royal praise in metaphor to the global cinematic archive. That is not viral content. That is history. As custodians of legacy, we will always choose education over outrage and elevation over noise.”