Lebo M Congratulates Learnmore Jonasi After US Court Rules Against Lion King Lawsuit
- Lebo M broke his silence in a candid Instagram video filmed in Los Angeles on 1 September 2026
- The South African composer acknowledged the US federal court ruling handed down on 28 August 2026 in Learnmore Jonasi's favour
- Lebo M praised the Zimbabwean comedian's social media campaign while standing firm on his views about culture and heritage
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Source: Instagram
Lebo M has publicly addressed the US federal court ruling that went against him, choosing to extend his congratulations to Zimbabwean comedian [Learnmore Jonasi](https://www.instagram.com/p/DcuTLWAPtHP/) in a surprisingly gracious video.
The veteran South African composer, Lebohang "Lebo M" Morake, filmed the candid, walking selfie-style clip on 1 September 2026 along a sunny marina promenade in Los Angeles, California. Speaking directly to camera in a measured and reflective tone, he confirmed he accepted the outcome of the legal process while making clear his personal position on culture and heritage had not shifted.
"I feel great," he said. "I'm not going to be commenting about the actual technical aspects of the court decision, but I will confirm that I agree. It was a legit decision. I support it based on the technicalities and the merit of this aspect of the process."
Lebo M Praises Jonasi's Social Media Strategy
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The most striking part of his message was directed at Jonasi himself. Rather than expressing bitterness, Lebo M offered what amounted to a masterclass in magnanimity, calling out the comedian's digital strategy in glowing terms.
"I want to congratulate a young brother Lin Mo Komenia on an extremely successful, brilliant social media campaign from inception," he said, adding that he had "observed in awe" how the campaign was executed. He was quick to note his own old-school approach, admitting he prefers writing letters over social media strategy.
He also acknowledged the financial reality of the ruling, wishing Jonasi well with the legal fees: "Hope you get the money though. You get the bulk of it and use wisely."
Heritage Remains at the Heart of His Position
Despite the congratulatory tone, Lebo M did not walk back his original argument. His lawsuit against Jonasi centred on the comedian's literal interpretation of the iconic Zulu chant from *The Lion King*, which Jonasi translated as "Look, there's a lion. Oh my god." A US federal court ruled on 28 August 2026 in Jonasi's favour, citing First Amendment protections for artistic expression.
Lebo M said his stand was never really about the court outcome but about something bigger. "My argument was and will always be about what my work has represented, not only with the Lion King but all my work, with respect to and about heritage, culture and legacy," he explained.
He noted that the case was withdrawn without prejudice, leaving the door open for future legal action, and made clear that no amount of public opinion would move him from his convictions. "If 99.9 percent of people in the world say screw your culture, screw your heritage, I must buy into it all? I'm not that kind of Soweto team."
He closed by wishing Jonasi well on a future South African tour, signing off with warmth and finality.
[Watch Lebo M's full Instagram video response here](https://www.instagram.com/p/DcuTLWAPtHP/)
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Source: Briefly News
