Learnmore Jonasi Launches Emergency GoFundMe To Fight Lion King Composer Lebo M’s US$27M Lawsuit
Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, known as Learnmore Jonasi has launched a GoFundMe campaign after being hit with a US$27 million (approximately R505 million) lawsuit by Grammy-winning The Lion King composer Lebohang Morake, popularly known as Lebo M, over a joke about the famous opening Zulu chant from Disney’s The Lion King.
Jonasi announced the fundraiser on 25 March 2026, saying he is facing overwhelming legal costs following the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles earlier this month. The comedian described the legal action as “unjust” and appealed to supporters to help fund his defence.
In a post shared on Facebook from West Hollywood, California, Jonasi explained the situation in detail.
“My name is Learnmore Jonasi, and I am reaching out during one of the most difficult moments in my life. I was recently hit with a $27 million lawsuit by renowned artist Lebohang Morake (Lebo M) over a joke I made about the Lion King’s opening Zulu chant.”
He added:
“What started as a bit of humour has escalated into a devastating legal battle. I am a passionate creator who never intended harm, but I now face overwhelming legal fees just to defend my right to speak and tell jokes.”
Jonasi said the costs of defending the lawsuit were beyond his financial capacity.
“Every donation, big or small, will directly go toward my legal representation, so I can fight this unjust claim and protect my livelihood.”
Lawsuit Filed In Los Angeles
The legal dispute stems from comments Jonasi made during a stand-up routine and a podcast appearance in which he discussed the opening chant from The Lion King, originally composed and performed by Lebo M in 1994.
According to The Guardian, the lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Los Angeles in March 2026. Lebo M alleges that Jonasi intentionally mistranslated the chant and mocked its cultural significance.
The publication reports that Jonasi translated the chant as:
“Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God.”
The hosts reportedly laughed after hearing the translation, saying they believed the chant had a deeper meaning.
However, Lebo M’s legal team argued that the chant carries cultural and symbolic meaning beyond a literal translation. The official interpretation reportedly includes phrases such as:
“All hail the king, we all bow in the presence of the king.”
The lawsuit also alleges that Jonasi’s remarks affected Lebo M’s business relationships and royalty earnings. The composer is reportedly seeking more than US$20 million (approximately R374 million) in damages, plus an additional US$7 million (approximately R131 million) in punitive damages.
Reports indicate that the disputed performance also took place during Jonasi’s 12 March 2026 stand-up show in Los Angeles, where the joke reportedly received a standing ovation.
GoFundMe Campaign Gains Rapid Support
Following the lawsuit, Jonasi launched a GoFundMe campaign titled Help Learnmore Fight an Unjust Lawsuit.
At the time of publishing, the campaign had raised US$9,780 (approximately R183,000) from 388 donations within just 16 hours, with a target of US$20,000 (approximately R374,000).
In an update posted shortly after launching the campaign, Jonasi expressed gratitude to supporters.
“Hey everybody, I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who donated to my GoFundMe. I am truly grateful for all your support and kindness.”
He continued:
“Because of you, I now have a fighting chance with this lawsuit. Your help means more to me than words can explain, and I really appreciate every single one of you.”
Dispute Sparks Social Media Debate
The dispute between Jonasi and Lebo M has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with both supporters and critics weighing in.
Jonasi previously said he was a fan of Lebo M’s work and hoped the controversy could open discussions about African representation.
“Comedy always has a way of starting conversation. This is your chance to actually educate people, because now people are listening.”
However, Jonasi later said collaboration talks broke down following private exchanges between the two.
The legal battle is ongoing, and it remains unclear when the case will be heard in court.
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The post Comedian Learnmore Jonasi Launches GoFundMe As He Fights Lion King Composer Lebo M’s ‘Unjust’ US$27M Lawsuit appeared first on iHarare News.
