Theater News

The Lion King's Lebo M. to Perform With Hans Zimmer at Radio City

The Grammy-winning musician will perform the famous opening to “Circle of Life” as a special guest of Zimmer’s touring concert.

Lebo M. performing at The Lion King's 15th anniversary celebration at the Minskoff Theatre in 2012.
Lebo M. performing at The Lion King's 15th anniversary celebration at the Minskoff Theatre in 2012.
(© David Gordon)

Grammy-, Golden Globe-, and Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer brings his touring concert to Radio City Music Hall for two performances tonight, July 25, and tomorrow, July 26.

The concert features music from Zimmer's celebrated career as composer for such films as Gladiator, The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Dark Knight Trilogy, and Inception.

Joining Zimmer as the tour's special guest performer is Lebohang "Lebo M." Morake, his Grammy-winning collaborator on The Lion King and the iconic voice of the film's opening chant in "Circle of Life." Morake will be performing during the Lion King segment of the show, singing a medley of songs from the film and Broadway musical, which celebrates its 20th year on Broadway this November.

"Going around the world on tour and performing "Circle of Life" with Hans and getting that immediate audience reaction sometimes is intimidating," said Morake in a private interview at the New Amsterdam Theatre, home to Disney's latest Broadway musical Aladdin. "I was not aware that it was not intimidation, it was me appreciating the significance and the impact this work has been to people around the world."

"I've always loved it and enjoyed it as a fan — and as one who has been working the Broadway production for 20 years now," added Morake. "I think it took time for me to really feel the power of the opening of The Lion King. I've embraced it now. When the show starts [on Broadway], you'll have Nants ingonyama…, and at Radio City, you'll have me and Hans Zimmer presenting exactly the same. It's quite a special, momentous moment."

For tickets to Hans Zimmer at Radio City Music Hall, click here.

For tickets to The Lion King on Broadway, click here.

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