Lebo M

Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake (born 11 July 1964) is a South African composer, producer, and performer best known for his work on The Lion King film and stage productions. He is internationally recognised for pioneering the integration of African choral music into mainstream film scoring and musical theatre.

Born and raised in Soweto, Johannesburg, Morake developed an early interest in music and performance, singing and performing from a young age. During the 1980s, he relocated to the United States, where he further developed his musical skills through formal study and self-directed learning, focusing on choral arranging and orchestration.

Morake’s international breakthrough came in 1994 when he collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer on Disney’s The Lion King. He arranged and conducted the African choral sections of the score, including the opening chant “Nants Ingonyama,” which became one of the most recognisable moments in film music. He later contributed to The Lion King sequels, stage musicals, and the Grammy-winning album Rhythm of the Pride Lands.

Beyond The Lion King, Morake has worked on numerous international film projects, including The Power of One, Outbreak, Congo, Tears of the Sun, and The Legend of Tarzan. He has also been involved in large-scale live productions, including music for the 2010 FIFA World Cup ceremonies in South Africa.

Through his production company and foundation, Lebo M continues to support and mentor young musicians while promoting African music traditions on global stages. His work is widely credited with bringing African choral and musical traditions into contemporary film, television, and theatre scoring.