Celebrated composers Hans Zimmer and Lebogang “Lebo M” Morake are gearing up to enchant movie and music lovers with a remarkable concert scheduled for April 18, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa. This highly anticipated event marks Lebo M's first performance at home, showcasing his 40-year career and celebrating the rich legacy he has built, particularly through his iconic contributions to the music of Disney's The Lion King.
The concert, titled Lebo M Live with special guest Hans Zimmer: Celebrates 40 Years of Music, promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring notable acts like MiCasa, The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, The Soweto Spiritual Singers, and the Ndlovu Youth Choir. It is being held at the Grand Arena at Grand West, emphasizing the demand for larger capacity to accommodate fans eager to witness this unique musical collaboration.
Speaking about the significance of the concert, Lebo M expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “My music is – and always will be – rooted in home soil, and I couldn’t be more excited about staging my first live concert season in Cape Town.” He underlines the impact of The Lion King music, stating, “The music from The Lion King not only touched hearts and minds around the world, it continues to provide an inspirational platform to uplift local talent and inspire the next generation of creators.”
Zimmer, known for his remarkable compositions for films such as Gladiator, Interstellar, and the Dark Knight trilogy, reflected on their long friendship and working relationship, saying, “I am thrilled since we have been partners, brothers, and friends since childhood.” They began collaborating on projects centered around African narratives during times when such stories were scarce on global platforms. Zimmer acknowledged the career achievements they have accomplished together, paving the way for young artists.
Lebo M's orchestration of this concert is not just about showcasing his music but also about celebrating the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. The evening is set to include two hours filled with popular tracks from his extensive film music catalog, reflecting on his storytelling through music from the film industry since the early ’90s. He plans to include new talents alongside seasoned performers, ensuring the concert is also about nurturing the next generation of South African artists.
When asked about his motivation for stepping more prominently onto the stage, Lebo M remarked, “I have been around the world and arenas for 10 years now, touring as a special guest with my friend Hans Zimmer. I often say I have been rehearsing for 10 years.” His commitment to returning for his first concert at home emphasizes his connection to South African audiences. He aims to create what he calls “an African-inspired concert at the highest technological level.”
The artistic lineup also includes the well-known Drakensberg Boys Choir and other surprise guests. Lebo M has described the concert setting as more than just entertainment, but also as a statement of identity and pride for South African culture. “I am creating this show for a South African audience…for an African audience and then the diaspora,” he noted. His aim is to deliver both visually and sonically stunning performances, reinforcing the cultural narratives often associated with his work.
A significant point highlighted is the impact of The Lion King on international exposure for South African artists. Lebo M revealed, “A lot of people don’t know the first Lion King on Broadway had a cast predominantly of South Africans.” He elaborated on how they fought for proper representation and employment for these artists within the global industry. This aspect of his career is something he is deeply proud of and aims to bring to the forefront during his concert.
Looking toward the future, Lebo M is not only focused on this concert but is also preparing for his film work. He will be attending the Oscar Awards next month for his short film, The Last Ranger, which has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film. Post-award season, he plans to dedicate more time to projects rooted back home, stating he wishes to spend 90% of his time on his native soil, emphasizing his commitment to South African artistic development.
The excitement surrounding this collaboration between Lebo M and Hans Zimmer reflects their artistic evolution and dedication to telling African stories through film and music. They invite audiences to explore the roots of their crafts intertwined with modern interpretations, promising to deliver not just a concert, but a vibrant celebration of culture, resilience, and musical legacy.