South African Talent Shines on ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Soundtrack Ahead of Global Release

Disney has unveiled the official soundtrack for its highly anticipated film Mufasa: The Lion King, showcasing a rich tapestry of musical contributions, including standout performances from South African artists Lebo M and Kagiso Lediga.

Lebo M, whose iconic voice first introduced audiences to The Lion King in 1994, returns as the only original composer reprising his role in this prequel. He penned the isiXhosa track "Ngomso" (translated as "Tomorrow"), which serves as the opening piece on the album. This song marks a historic moment for the franchise as it introduces audiences to an entirely new cultural beginning, blending traditional African music with the grandeur of Hollywood scores.

“For the first time, the world will hear a new opening to the story, written entirely in Xhosa, it’s an honour to be the sole returning composer since 1994 and to collaborate with Lin-Manuel Miranda on this project.”

Mufasa: The Lion King out in Cinemas on 20th December

The soundtrack, set for release on December 13, features an additional South African touch with comedian and actor Kagiso Lediga performing on the track We Go Together. He joins a star-studded cast of vocalists, including Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, and Aaron Pierre.

Lediga's contribution reflects Disney’s commitment to amplifying authentic African voices in the retelling of Mufasa’s origin story. His performance embodies the vibrant energy and storytelling that have become hallmarks of the franchise.

The album was produced by Grammy Award winner and Disney Music President Tom MacDougall, alongside acclaimed composers Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina. The deluxe soundtrack also features a new score by Tony Award-winning composer Dave Metzger, seamlessly blending the old with the new to honour the franchise’s musical heritage.

The Mufasa: The Lion King soundtrack will debut on streaming platforms on December 13, while the film hits theatres globally on December 20. Fans can expect a deluxe edition featuring bonus tracks and scores, adding to the rich musical experience.