By incorporating the work of musician Lebo M, the score to THE LION KING musical tapped into the complex and beautiful rhythms of South African music. For THE LION KING musical, Lebo M has co-written additional music and lyrics in addition to the original songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. As the choral director, he introduced the American cast members to a different style of singing.

"I taught them the historical meanings of the lyrics and the practical and spiritual meanings of the songs," he explains. "The singers must understand the pain or joy -- the feeling behind the song. The most difficult part is the interpretation, the African way of singing ... there's a rawness that is totally unique; it comes from the heart."

"World Music: The Rough Guide" states, "South Africa is distinguished by the most complex musical history, the greatest profusion of styles, and the most intensely developed recording industry anywhere in Africa." South Africa's musical history, especially in the last century, is linked to its national history and the racist system of apartheid, by which black South Africans were confined to small areas, their movements and rights tightly controlled by the white minority. Because the growth of its music was so closely tied to the country's history, a study of South African music is a perfect foundation for further exploration into South African history.

Lebo M sees his life mirrored in the story of THE LION KING. THE LION KING is an African story that happens to parallel my own life. Young Simba's loving education from his father, his rebellion, and his eventual struggle to regain a foothold in his native land were very familiar to me."

He calls his work on THE LION KING, "a tribute to the new South Africa ... like Simba, I too lost family and close friends during my time away, but returned home victorious to the open arms of my newly freed countrymen and family."