Some stories transcend entertainment. Some words carry the weight of generations. And some cultural legacies deserve a conversation far greater than a viral moment.
For internationally acclaimed composer, producer and cultural storyteller Lebo M (Lebohang Morake), the ongoing dispute involving comedian Learnmore Jonasi has always represented something deeper than a disagreement over comedy.
Till Dawn Entertainment (Pty) Ltd., trading as Lebo M Productions (Pty) Ltd., has issued a formal clarification concerning the dispute surrounding the interpretation of the iconic Zulu lyrics, “Nants’ ingonyama bakithi Baba”, immortalised through Disney’s The Lion King.
The Company maintains that the disagreement is not an attack on comedy, freedom of expression or any individual’s First Amendment rights.
Rather, it concerns the interpretation, meaning and cultural significance of lyrics that have become synonymous with one of the world’s most recognisable musical and cinematic legacies.
The parties continue to hold differing positions on the interpretation of the lyrics. Mr Jonasi maintains that his translation is not false and that he speaks conversational Zulu.
Amid widespread social media commentary surrounding the legal proceedings, Lebo M Productions believes it is important to distinguish public perception from the documented outcome.
On 28 August 2026, the court issued an order pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure § 425.16(c), awarding Mr Jonasi US$39,560 in attorneys’ fees against Lebohang Morake.
The Company acknowledges the validity of the order and confirms that the awarded amount has been paid in full.
What has received considerably less public attention, however, is that the fee application reportedly sought an additional amount of almost US$100,000 – approximately US$91,000 – through a proposed lodestar multiplier.
That additional amount was not awarded. The court awarded US$39,560 without granting the requested multiplier.
This distinction is central to the Company’s position. While the court awarded attorneys’ fees to Mr Jonasi, the additional amount reportedly sought through the multiplier was not granted.
NO ONE WON. NO ONE LOST.
For Lebo M Productions, this statement reflects its interpretation of the broader cultural dispute, not a denial of the court’s attorneys’ fees award.
The Company maintains that the ruling should not be presented as a judicial determination of every substantive issue underlying the dispute.
In its view, the questions concerning cultural interpretation, artistic legacy and the significance of the lyrics have not been fully examined and adjudicated at trial.
A ruling on legal fees and a determination of the broader cultural questions are not the same thing.
Lebo M Productions acknowledges the success of Mr Jonasi and his team’s social media campaign and congratulates them on the attention it has generated.
However, the Company remains concerned about the potential for viral commentary and incomplete public narratives to shape perceptions of historically and culturally significant creative work.
At the heart of its position is a simple principle:
African stories deserve to be understood in their cultural context, even when they become part of global popular culture.
The Company believes that humour and creative expression can coexist with meaningful conversations about cultural authenticity, artistic interpretation and respect for heritage.
Its position remains that appropriate legal processes, rather than competing social media narratives, should guide the resolution of the issues in dispute.
The Company further confirms that its case was withdrawn without prejudice while it reviews its legal representation and evaluates the options available to it.
This followed the termination of one of its legal representatives, whom the Company alleges made submissions to the court without authorisation.
Lebo M Productions continues to assess its legal position and any appropriate next steps.
The Company emphasises that its decision to withdraw the case without prejudice should not be interpreted as an abandonment of its concerns regarding cultural interpretation and artistic legacy.
Lebo M’s contribution to global entertainment extends far beyond a single song, production or controversy.
His creative work has helped carry African musical traditions, language and storytelling onto some of the world’s most celebrated entertainment stages.
That legacy remains central to the Company’s commitment to protecting the cultural integrity of its creative contributions.
While social media conversations may come and go, the Company believes the broader discussion about African heritage, cultural ownership and artistic responsibility deserves thoughtful and informed engagement.
The conversation is bigger than a comedian. Bigger than a viral clip. Bigger than a courtroom headline.
It is about the value of African cultural expression and the importance of ensuring that its meaning is neither overlooked nor reduced to a passing internet moment.
Lebo M Productions remains committed to addressing the matter responsibly, respecting the legal process and protecting the creative legacy at the heart of this dispute.
CULTURE IS OUR FOUNDATION. HERITAGE IS OUR VOICE. LEGACY IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY.
