South Africa's Lebo M Lawsuit Against Zimbabwean Comedian Jonasi Takes a New Twist

LOS ANGELES – The $27 million lawsuit filed by South African composer Lebo M against Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi has narrowed sharply, with the plaintiff dropping key state law claims, Jonasi said Monday. Jonasi, whose legal name is Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, said Lebohang Morake – known professionally as Lebo M and the Grammy-winning voice behind the Zulu chant in Disney’s The Lion King opening number “Circle of Life” – filed an amended complaint in federal court. The original suit included defamation, trade libel, and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage. Those claims have been withdrawn, Jonasi said. The case now rests solely on federal trademark claims under the Lanham Act. “My attorney has informed me that Lebo M has filed an amended complaint. He has dropped all the original state law claims… The case is now focused solely on federal trademark claims,” Jonasi wrote in a social media post. He said the dispute turns on whether Lebo M holds protectable trademark rights tied to Jonasi’s comedic translation of the chant – loosely rendered as “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God” – and whether any such rights override First Amendment protections for comedy and satire. Jonasi’s legal team plans to file a motion to dismiss the remaining claims. “From the beginning, my content has been comedy and satire,” he said. “I think I will be fine.” The lawsuit stems from a viral clip of Jonasi’s appearance on the U.S.'s One54 Africa podcast, where he jokingly reinterpreted the opening lyrics of “Circle of Life.” Lebo M alleged the remarks misrepresented his work, harmed his reputation, and interfered with business interests, seeking more than $20 million in compensatory damages plus punitive awards. Jonasi was served with the original complaint while onstage at a Los Angeles comedy club in March 2026. He later launched a GoFundMe campaign for legal costs, which has raised nearly $30,000. Lebo M and his representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the amended filing. The case is pending in U.S. District Court in California. Jonasi has continued performing stand-up, including a tour referencing the legal battle. Legal observers note such amendments are common in intellectual property disputes as parties narrow arguments for federal court.