Lebo M.

Lebohang Morake (born 11 July 1964), known as Lebo M, is a South African producer and composer, known for his songwriting and vocal work on the soundtracks to films such as The Lion King, The Power of One and Outbreak and numerous stage productions. He was recommended to Disney by Hans Zimmer, the composer of both adaptations of The Lion King, and formed and conducted the African choir that sang for the films.

Early life Lebohang Morake was born on 11 July 1964 in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. With no formal training in music, he left school at the age of nine to perform music in night clubs. Morake recorded his first single, "Celebration", when he was 13 years old, receiving only $20 for recording the record. When he was 13 years old, Morake became the youngest performer to sing at the nightclub Club Pelican, when he filled in for a backup singer who could not attend.

Career Early career In 1979, Morake sought to broaden his horizons, so he left by bus for Maseru, Lesotho, after hearing that a new club was going to be opening there. Morake lived at first in New York, again playing in restaurants and bars, and was supported by Black churches to attend music school. for which he was sought by Zimmer.

He founded the Lebo M Foundation and Till Dawn Entertainment.

On 23 July 2019, Morake performed "Circle of Life" and "He Lives in You" at the opening ceremony of the 24th World Scout Jamboree.

In April 2024, it was announced that Lebo M would join the music team for Mufasa: The Lion King, providing additional music alongside the film's songwriter, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

In 2026 Morake sued comedian Learnmore Jonasi for 27 million dollars, for making a joke about the lyrics of 'The circle of life'. The 'frivolous' lawsuit was soon dismissed, with Jonasi planning a countersuit to recover legal fees.

Personal life Morake was married to Viveca Gipson for 5 years. He divorced her and married Nandi Ndlovu and they were together for 11 years. He then divorced Ndlovu and married Angela Ngani-Casara for five years, from 2008 to 2013. Morake became engaged to Zoe Mthiyane but their relationship ended in 2016. He remarried his third wife, Angela, but they divorced again in 2017. He lives with his family in Johannesburg and Los Angeles. In April 2021, Morake got engaged to partner Pretty Samuels, in 2023 he had presumably filed for divorce.

Filmography Lebo Morake has composed, arranged, performed and produced music for the following films: The Lion King (soundtrack) The Lion King II: Simba's Pride The Lion King 1½ The Lion King (musical) – singer at One by One The Power of One Dinosaur Disney's Animal Kingdom: The First Adventure Tears of the Sun Back on the Block Atlantis: The Lost Empire Listen Up: The Life of Quincy Jones Outbreak Congo Born to Be Wild Long Night's Journey Into Day The Lion King (2019 remake) The Woman King (2022) Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)

Discography How Wonderful We Are (1995) Rhythm of the Pride Lands (1995) Lebo M: Deeper Meaning (1997) Return to Pride Rock (1998) Lebo M Presents: Open Summahhh Open Happiness (2009)