The struggle of Soweto's 'Lion King'
It was a long road to the recording studio for Lebo M who wrote songs for the hit Disney movie and stage adaptation.
Born under apartheid and in poverty, South African composer Lebo M grew up loving music and became a performer at a young age. His talent took him on a tumultuous journey from Soweto to Hollywood. As he worked on the music for Disney's hit animation The Lion King and as apartheid came to an end in South Africa, the story of those lions fighting for their kingdom took on a whole new relevance to him.
Rosalyn Wilder always dreamed of working in show business. There was one job she had that she could never forget — trying to get Hollywood superstar Judy Garland on stage for her final performances in London in the 1960s. She remembers the singer's struggles with addiction and confidence. Rosalyn's relationship with Garland is portrayed in the film, Judy.
Picture: Lebo M attends The Lion King On Broadway 15th Anniversary Celebration
Credit: Getty Images
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- Thu 24 Oct 201911:06GMTBBC World Service
- Thu 24 Oct 201915:06GMTBBC World Service Australasia
- Thu 24 Oct 201917:06GMTBBC World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa, South Asia & West and Central Africa
- Thu 24 Oct 201920:06GMTBBC World Service South Asia
- Fri 25 Oct 201902:06GMTBBC World Service UK DAB/Freeview
- Fri 25 Oct 201903:06GMTBBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean, Online, Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only
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