Lebo M Biography, Age, Height & Net Worth 2026

Lebohang Morake, popularly known as Lebo M, is a renowned South African producer and composer celebrated for his significant contributions to film soundtracks and stage productions. Born on 11 July 1964 in Soweto, Johannesburg, Lebo M rose from humble beginnings with no formal music training to become a pivotal figure in the music industry, especially noted for his work on Disney's The Lion King and other acclaimed films such as The Power of One and Outbreak. His unique ability to blend African rhythms with cinematic scores has earned him international recognition and prestigious awards.

Wiki Facts and About Data

Full Name	Lebohang Morake
Stage Name	Lebo M
Date of Birth	11 July 1964
Place of Birth	Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
Notable Works	The Lion King, The Power of One, Outbreak
Occupations	Producer, Composer, Vocalist
Awards	Grammy Award (The Lion King soundtrack)
Years Active	1973–present

Early Life

Born in the vibrant township of Soweto, Lebohang Morake's journey into music began at an exceptionally young age. Despite having no formal training, he left school at just nine years old to perform in nightclubs. By the age of 13, he had already recorded his first single, "Celebration," and became the youngest performer at the renowned Club Pelican. His early exposure to live performance laid the foundation for a lifelong career in music.

Career

In 1979, seeking broader opportunities, Lebo M traveled to Maseru, Lesotho, where he lived in exile due to apartheid restrictions. His talent caught the attention of Lesotho's Ambassador to the United States, Tim Thahane, who facilitated his move to the United States to attend the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Initially residing in New York, Lebo M performed in restaurants and bars, supported by Black churches, before relocating to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue his music career more seriously.

In Los Angeles, Lebo M faced the typical struggles of an emerging artist, working odd jobs while studying at Los Angeles City College. His big break came when he was asked to help find a choir for the Oscars performance of the film Cry Freedom. A chance reunion with childhood friend Solly Letwaba led to an introduction to producer Hilton Rosenthal, who connected him with composer Hans Zimmer. This collaboration resulted in Lebo M co-writing and co-producing the soundtrack for The Power of One, marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership.

Lebo M's expertise in African rhythms enriched the soundtracks of several films, including Congo, Outbreak, and Born to be Wild. His return to South Africa in the early 1990s coincided with the end of apartheid, allowing him to reconnect with his roots and further his musical influence.

The Lion King

Lebo M's most iconic contribution came through his work on Disney's The Lion King. Recommended by Hans Zimmer, he wrote and performed the opening Zulu chant that has become synonymous with the film. Beyond the original soundtrack, he contributed to the sequel album Rhythm of the Pride Lands and the direct-to-video sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.

The success of the soundtrack earned Lebo M and Zimmer a Grammy Award, while Zimmer also received an Academy Award for Best Original Score. Lebo M further extended his influence by helping to score the stage musical adaptation, which was nominated for Best Original Score at the 52nd Tony Awards in 1998.

In addition to his artistic work, Lebo M founded the Lebo M Foundation and Till Dawn Entertainment, organizations aimed at nurturing talent and producing quality entertainment. In 2019, he performed at the opening ceremony of the 24th World Scout Jamboree, showcasing his enduring presence on the global stage. Most recently, in 2024, he joined the music team for Mufasa: The Lion King, collaborating with Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Personal Life

Lebo M's personal life has seen several relationships and marriages. He was married to Viveca Gipson for five years before divorcing. He then married Nandi Ndlovu, with whom he was together for 11 years, followed by a marriage to Angela Ngani-Casara from 2008 to 2013. After an engagement to Zoe Mthiyane ended in 2016, he remarried Angela but divorced again in 2017. He currently resides between Johannesburg and Los Angeles with his family. His daughter, Refi, is also a singer who frequently performs alongside him. In 2021, he became engaged to Pretty Samuels, though reports in 2023 suggest a possible divorce filing.

Q&A

Q: How did Lebo M get involved with The Lion King soundtrack?

A: Lebo M was recommended to Disney by Hans Zimmer, the film's composer, and was invited to write and perform the opening Zulu chant, as well as contribute to other parts of the soundtrack.

Q: What notable awards has Lebo M received?

A: Lebo M earned a Grammy Award for his work on The Lion King soundtrack, while Hans Zimmer won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for the same project.

Q: What organizations did Lebo M establish?

A: He founded the Lebo M Foundation and Till Dawn Entertainment to support emerging talent and produce entertainment projects.

Conclusion

Lebo M's journey from a young boy performing in nightclubs in Soweto to an internationally acclaimed composer and producer is a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication. His unique fusion of African musical traditions with contemporary film scoring has left an indelible mark on the global music and entertainment industry. As he continues to contribute to new projects like Mufasa: The Lion King, Lebo M remains a vital cultural ambassador, inspiring generations of artists worldwide.