'Nants’ Ingonyama is not a punchline - Lebo M to sue Zimbabwean comedian over Lion King joke Zandile.Khumalo Wed, 03/18/2026 - 20:19 Lebohang Morake popularly known as Lebo M Lebohang Morake popularly known as Lebo M JOHANNESBURG - The intension by South African music composer Lebohang Morake also known as Lebo M to sue a Zimbabwean Comedian over remarks made against famous Nants Ingonya chant has sparked a question: How far a joke can go? During a podcast segment on One54 Africa dated 25 February 2026, comedian Learnmore Jonasi joked that the Zulu chant which featured in The Lion King simply translated to “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God’ This chant has long been celebrated for it's powerful meaning rooted in isiZulu expression of royal praise. But the joke has now landed in court. READ | Dr John Kani launches performing arts academy for industry creatives Lebo M has instituted a $20 million (USD) lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against the Zimbabwean comedian. The lawsuit follows a series of alleged damaging misrepresentations, defamatory conduct and unlawful commercial exploitation linked to the chant. This was revealed in a press statement by his
