Lebo M claims Zimbabweans want to kill him

Renowned South African composer Lebo M has sparked widespread debate after claiming that Zimbabweans are trying to kill him over his US$27 million lawsuit against United States-based Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi.

The dispute stems from Learnmore Jonasi, whose real name is Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, jokingly translating the opening lines of The Circle of Life during an appearance on the One54 Africa Podcast, hosted by Akbar Gbajabiamila and comedian Godfrey.

Lebo M took offence to the joke and subsequently filed a lawsuit seeking US$27 million in damages.

Appearing on a later episode of the same podcast, the award-winning producer discussed the legal battle and the backlash he said he had experienced since launching the case.

During the interview, Lebo M claimed the controversy had escalated to the point where he now required personal security, alleging that some Zimbabweans wanted to assassinate him because of the lawsuit.

"Zimbabweans want to kill me literally. I have got security around me now because of this. Why do you think I came here?" he said.

When the hosts questioned whether he was serious, Lebo M insisted that he was.

"Are you kidding me? Would I say something like that on your camera? Yes, I have security around me now because he fuelled so much anger and misinformation from your platform without this context, which has made people so angry and then on top of that, this nonsense that's going on in Africa about xenophobia in South Africa," he said.

Lebo M argued that Learnmore had presented the dispute publicly without what he believed was the full context, adding that heightened tensions surrounding xenophobia in South Africa had intensified public reaction.

His comments, however, were met with scepticism from many Zimbabweans on social media, who rejected the allegation that anyone was seeking to harm him.

One user, @The_Tonga_Queen, wrote: "He is lying. Pinocchio this one."

Another, @winston_zw, commented: "He is lying about Zimbabweans wanting to kill him though... we might have to sue him for lying. That's defamation of character, we ain't no killers."

A third user, @Gifsal1, said: "Zimbabweans do not want to kill you. They just called you out for a misguided response to a joke. The project is 'The Polygamist', adopted from a book by Zimbabwean Sue Nyathi. You are a great artist! Lead by example."

Meanwhile, Learnmore Jonasi recently provided an update on the legal proceedings, saying Lebo M had amended his lawsuit by dropping the defamation claims and was now focusing on trademark rights relating to the phrase "It's a Lion."

The legal dispute continues, with the case drawing significant attention across Zimbabwe and South Africa.