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Spectacular: The Lion King production in London recently won the best musical production in the Black British Theatre Awards and boasts a crew of
over 150 people, which includes many South African actors such as Thenjiwe Nofemele (above) who plays the role of Rafiki. Photo: Supplied

South African stars roar in London

From the opening Circle of Life to the final roar, South African performers make every moment of The Lion King resonate deeply

Circle of life: Producer, songwriter and vocalist Lebo M, known for his work on The Lion King, is holding a concert in Cape Town on 18 April. Mi Casa, Soweto Gospel Choir and German film-score composer Hans Zimmer will be among the guests. Photo: Lesedi FM

Lebo M’s legacy goes live

The multi-talented South African musician is set to celebrate his career with a performance in Cape Town

The Broadway adaptation of the award-winning movie celebrates its quarter-century. (Photos:
Walter McBride/WireImage/ Delwyn Verasamy
and J Countess/Getty Images)

The Legacy of The Lion King lives on through theatre

The Broadway adaptation of the award-winning movie celebrates its quarter-century

Since premiering in June 1994, the legacy of Disney’s The Lion King has left a remarkable legacy that has spawned sequels, global theatre productions and multiple renditions.
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The many versions of ‘The Lion King’

The different renditions of the Lion King don’t dilute the story, but none are better than the original.

Hakuna Matata may be the motto, but the iconic Disney film is full of life lessons.
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The best moments of ‘The Lion King’

Hakuna Matata may be the motto, but the iconic Disney film is full of life lessons

A proudly South African export: Lebohang Morake may be best known for his role in scoring The Lion King, but he has plenty of other stories to share. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy/M&G

Q&A Sessions: Lebo M — a lifetime of roaring

Lebo M tells us about his journey from South Africa to Hollywood, his days as a ballroom dancer and his successful battle against alcohol abuse.

Darkest moment: Robert Liensol is the unnamed protagonist in Soleil Ô

These are not our names. These are not our stories. These are not our gods.

Cinema struggles to tell stories that reflect a contemporary Africa and remains hamstrung by self-serving voices

National treasure: John Kani has always believed in approaching the artistic process as an honest journey, and with an open heart.  (Paul Botes/M&G)

Q&A Sessions: From sangomas to the world’s biggest stages, John Kani has seen it all

His father took him to isangoma when he wanted to be an actor. Today Dr John Kani is revered the world over. He tells Athandiwe Saba about his passions

Disney Studios promo image. (Credit: Kwaku Alston)

Beyoncé and the Heart of Darkness

Few black thinkers and creatives in the United States seem able to grapple with the implications of their Americocentrism in relation to Africa

Circle of life: Lebo M worked on the music for the animated The Lion King and is also involved in the live-action remake. Photo Delwyn Verasamy

Lebo M circles his Lion King life

As a kid in Soweto, he never dreamed he’d help the world fall in love with life in Africa; as a veteran musician his pride is undiminished

Sello’s landscape of change

Sello Maake ka Ncube tells Kwanele Sosibo about life before and after <i>The Lion King</i>.