🚨 “ZIMBABWEANS WANT TO KILL ME” — LEBO M CLAIMS HE NOW NEEDS 24-HOUR SECURITY AFTER THE LION KING CONTROVERSY SPARKED A WAVE OF BACKLASH
Grammy-winning South African composer Lebo M says he has been forced to increase his security after receiving threats following his public dispute with Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi.
Speaking during an interview on One54 Africa, Lebo M claimed that he now has security around him, saying, “Zimbabweans want to kill me. I have to have security around me now.” His remarks came after weeks of intense online criticism linked to his legal action against the comedian.
The controversy began after Learnmore Jonasi joked that the famous opening chant from Disney’s The Lion King, “Nants’ Ingonyama,” simply meant, “Look, there’s a lion.” Lebo M strongly rejected the joke, arguing that the chant is rooted in isiZulu and isiXhosa royal praise traditions and represents an important part of African cultural heritage.
Believing the remarks crossed the line, Lebo M launched legal action in the United States. The dispute has since divided opinion across South Africa and Zimbabwe, with some supporting his efforts to protect African culture, while others argue the comedian was exercising artistic freedom.
While Lebo M says he has received threats and now requires security, there is no verified evidence that Zimbabweans as a whole are seeking to harm him. His comments reflect his personal account of the threats he says he has received.
Do you think Lebo M was right to take legal action, or should the matter have been resolved through dialogue instead?