Lebo M claims Zimbabweans want to kill him over Learnmore lawsuit

HARARE – Renowned South African composer Lebo M has claimed he now requires personal security because some Zimbabweans allegedly want to kill him following his US$27 million lawsuit against United States-based Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi. The legal dispute stems from an appearance by Learnmore Jonasi, whose real name is Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, on the One54 Africa Podcast, where he jokingly translated the opening lyrics of Disney's The Circle of Life. Lebo M, who is internationally recognised for his work on The Lion King, later filed a lawsuit seeking US$27 million in damages.

Speaking during a subsequent appearance on the same podcast, Lebo M said the backlash against him had escalated beyond criticism.

"Zimbabweans want to kill me literally. I have got security around me now because of this. Why do you think I came here?" he said.

When the podcast hosts asked whether he was serious, the award-winning producer doubled down on his claims.

"Are you kidding me? Would I say something like that on your camera? Yes, I have security around me now because he fuelled so much anger and misinformation from your platform without this context, which has made people so angry and then on top of that, this nonsense that's going on in Africa about xenophobia in South Africa."

Lebo M argued that the dispute had been presented publicly without what he considered the full context, adding that heightened tensions over xenophobia in South Africa had intensified public reactions.

His remarks were met with widespread scepticism from many Zimbabweans on social media, who disputed the assertion that anyone was attempting to harm him.

One X user, @The_Tonga_Queen, wrote:

"He is lying. Pinocchio this one."

Another user, @winston_zw, commented:

"He is lying about Zimbabweans wanting to kill him though... we might have to sue him for lying. That's defamation of character, we ain't no killers."

A third user, @Gifsal1, wrote:

"Zimbabweans do not want to kill you. They just called you out for a misguided response to a joke. The project is 'The Polygamist', adopted from a book by Zimbabwean Sue Nyathi. You are a great artist! Lead by example."

Meanwhile, Learnmore Jonasi recently updated his followers on the legal proceedings, saying Lebo M had amended his lawsuit by withdrawing the defamation claims. According to Learnmore, the case is now centred on alleged trademark rights relating to the phrase "It's a Lion." The lawsuit continues to attract widespread attention in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, with many closely following the outcome because of its potential implications for comedy, intellectual property and freedom of expression. Neither a court nor any law enforcement agency has publicly confirmed Lebo M's allegations that Zimbabweans are plotting to kill him.

Lebo M Learnmore Jonasi lawsuit