Zimbabwean comedian launches GoFundMe to help with $27m 'Lion King' lawsuit

Comedian Learnmore Jonasi has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover legal costs after being sued by South African composer Lebo M over a joke referencing The Lion King soundtrack.

Jonasi says he is facing a $27 million lawsuit following remarks made during an appearance on the One54 Africa podcast, where he joked about the opening Zulu chant from the iconic song "Circle of Life."

In his GoFundMe statement, Jonasi said the case has placed him under severe financial pressure, claiming he requires about $20,000 for legal defence costs.

"My name is Learnmore Jonasi, and I am reaching out during one of the most difficult moments in my life," he wrote, describing the lawsuit as a "devastating legal battle."

The dispute stems from Jonasi's interpretation of the chant, which he suggested loosely translates to "Look, there's a lion. Oh my God." Lebo M, whose full name is Lebohang Morake and who co-created the iconic soundtrack with Elton John and Tim Rice, disputes this claim.

In court filings, Lebo M argues that the chant carries a deeper cultural meaning closer to "All hail the king, we all bow in the presence of the king," and alleges that Jonasi's comments misrepresented and trivialised the original composition.

He further claims the remarks were not presented as comedy, but as factual interpretation, and accuses Jonasi of distorting the artistic and cultural significance of the work.

Jonasi has defended himself publicly, stating that tensions escalated after he received a private message from Lebo M that he found offensive, including an alleged personal insult that he says changed the nature of their dispute.

The case has sparked debate online around freedom of expression, satire, and the limits of comedic interpretation of culturally significant works, with Jonasi now turning to public support to fund his legal defence.