Some of South Africa’s top musical artists took to the stage at “Disney’s The Lion King 30th Anniversary Tribute Special”.
In celebration of three decades since the release of the original animated film, the orchestral tribute show was held at the University of the Witwatersrand’s (Wits) Linder Auditorium on Friday, July 19.
It saw the likes of Shekhinah, Vusi Nova and Lira joining various artists on stage. Iconic composer and performer Lebo M also delighted attendees with a special appearance.
The South African Grammy-award-winning composer and producer, came full circle recently when he performed at the 30th anniversary celebration of “The Lion King in Concert” at the Hollywood Bowl in June.
Celebrity guests included cast members from the classic 1994 animation and 2019 remakes – Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Heather Headley, Jason Weaver, Jeremy Irons, Lebo M and Nathan Lane – with special appearances by North West and Jennifer Hudson.
The “Disney’s The Lion King 30th Anniversary Tribute Special” also featured Monique Steyn, Zita Pretorius, Brandon October, Monde Msutwana and Tracey-Lee Oliver.
In addition, the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Eddie Clayton, performed the songs from the original film as well as from the Broadway stage show, the 2019 movie and other classic Disney movie moments.
It is set to air exclusively on e.tv next month as part of the channel’s “The Lion King Festival”, which will also take place in August when it showcases the movie’s trilogy, giving fans a chance to relive the story's iconic moments
The Walt Disney Company Africa will also be celebrating the film’s continuing legacy in South Africa through exciting launches, collaborations and much more.
This is in the lead up to the highly anticipated December 20 release of “Mufasa: The Lion King” in cinemas, which will feature local voice artists and additional performances by Lebo M.
Included in the celebrations is a capsule fashion collection inspired by “The Lion King” and a special theatrical production for children in Johannesburg.
Additionally, a unique screening programme of “The Lion King” in Zulu and exclusive product ranges will be available for South African families.
The film’s journey in South Africa began with its release in both English and Zulu, capturing the imaginations of a nation. It remains the highest-attended animated film of all time in the country.
The film became a hit with its epic tale of Simba, a young lion cub destined to reclaim his throne, which continues to resonate deeply in the hearts of viewers.
Over the decades, the legacy of “The Lion King” expanded beyond the silver screen to include the critically acclaimed Broadway musical in 1997. Directed by Julie Taymor and featuring South African talent, the production set records during its run in South Africa in 2007.
The story continued with two sequels, “The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride” (2001) and “The Lion King 1½” (2004), and the popular animated series, “The Lion Guard”, which aired on Disney Junior and SABC 1.
In 2019, the groundbreaking live-action adaptation, directed by Jon Favreau and featuring esteemed South African actor Dr John Kani as Rafiki, became the highest grossing film of all time in South Africa.
∎ “Disney’s The Lion King 30th Anniversary Tribute Special” will air on e.tv on August 18 at 5pm, with a repeat broadcast on eMovies on August 19 at 7pm.