Lebohang Morake popularly known as Lebo M
JOHANNESBURG - The intension by South African music composer Lebohang Morake also known as Lebo M to sue a Zimbabwean Comedian over remarks made against famous Nants Ingonya chant has sparked a question: How far a joke can go?
During a podcast segment on One54 Africa dated 25 February 2026, comedian Learnmore Jonasi joked that the Zulu chant which featured in The Lion King simply translated to “Look, there’s a lion. Oh my God’
This chant has long been celebrated for it's powerful meaning rooted in isiZulu expression of royal praise.
But the joke has now landed in court.
READ | Dr John Kani launches performing arts academy for industry creatives
Lebo M has instituted a $20 million (USD) lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against the Zimbabwean comedian.
The lawsuit follows a series of alleged damaging misrepresentations, defamatory conduct and unlawful commercial exploitation linked to the chant.
This was revealed in a press statement by his team.
But comedian Ndumiso Lindi, took a different view to the matter.
Speaking to eNCA, Lindi said Lebo M may have gone too far for something intended to be a joke.
“I feel like Lebo M took it a bit too far and too serious. Because as comedians we have that freedom. We have always made jokes about things and people, especially in South Africa because we are the kind of people that laugh at ourselves and turn the mirror to laugh at our selves and each other.
“It’s a way of healing and easing up and not taking things seriously even though you are putting a point across whether it’s a concern or not,” he said.
Lindi argued that the situation could have turned into a moment of education this as he pointed to the view that Nguni languages should not be translated.
READ | Celebration of the Arts | Lebo M takes to the stage
This is because doing so leads to meaning being lost in translation.
“I feel like Mr Lebo M missed an opportunity to educate the world on what the song is all about instead of being too harsh on Learnmore and now suing. He is taking it too far,” Lindi added.
Recently, Jonasi took to social media to tell his side of the story.
“When this man first approached me, he approached me with the attitude of saying that I am disrespecting his work. And I was like, no, actually, I'm a big fan of yours and I love the song. And therefore, this was just a joke.
Jonasi added that comedy has always had a way of starting a conversation something he claims he also relayed to Lebo M and said this should have been a chance for him to actually educate people.
Lebo M has also broken his silence on social media on the matter responding to the widespread misrepresentation of the chant.
Meanwhile Lebo M’s team said the legal action represents a defining stand for African intellectual property, cultural dignity and narrative ownership on the world stage.
Speaking on behalf of Lebo M, Tshepo Mboni, appointed Global Spokesperson, said this is not merely a legal matter but a cultural correction.
“Nants’ Ingonyama is not a punchline, nor a casual reference point for exploitation. It is a sacred Royal Praise Chant, rooted in African identity, spirituality and storytelling.
“We are taking a firm and uncompromising stance against any form of misrepresentation, defamation, or unauthorised commercial use that undermines its significance and Lebo M’s legacy,” Mboni said.