Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
US-BASED comedian Long John claims South African Grammy-winning composer and producer, Lebogang “Lebo M” Morake, called him a “self-hating negro” and “wannabe comedian”.
The 32-year-old, who was born Learnmore Jonasi, is facing a US$20 million lawsuit from Lebo M for misrepresentation, defamation and cultural misappropriation.
It is related to the producer’s chant “Nants’ Ingonyama.”
The chant is closely associated with film productions such as The Lion King, which Long John used in one of his shows, much to Lebo M’s chagrin.
Despite being slapped with a US$20 million lawsuit in a California court for alleged “damaging misrepresentations, defamatory conduct and unlawful commercial exploitation,” Long John remains defiant.
In a video posted on X, Long John vowed not to bow to pressure from the creative community and comedy lovers around the world.
“I didn’t think I was going to record this video, but the situation is getting out of hand,” Long John said.
“I have just come here to explain the context of what happened. I chose to dismiss the composer of the ‘Lion King’ chant.
“When this man first approached me saying I was disrespecting his work, I told him I was actually a big fan and was even ready to create a video with him.
“Personally, I didn’t know that it had a deeper meaning, but the moment he called me a ‘self-hating negro,’ everything changed for me.”
Long John said he later realised there was no room for engagement with Lebo M.
“I realised that I was not having a conversation with somebody who actually wanted to do this thing together, this person was literally attacking my character.”
The Chimanimani-born comedian said one minute of Lebo M’s chant eclipsed his two-hour show.
“I told him to go watch my two-hour show on African culture and identity, but he didn’t care.
“To the people telling me to apologise, I say no, because I never insulted him — he called me a wannabe comedian.
“I have won awards all over Africa, I have won awards in South Africa, including the Pan African Comic People’s Choice Award.
“I was on America’s Got Talent, yet he called me a wannabe comedian and a self-hating Negro.”
Long John, who was raised by his grandparents and inspired by Bill Cosby, has vowed not to pay attention to Lebo M’s claims.
There are some who feel Long John thrives on making a mockery of his country.
Veteran arts journalist and blogger Larry Kwirirayi posted on X:
“I want to put it out there. Learnmore Jonasi is a nice kid. Full disclosure I have asked him for an interview and he has chosen not to. But this is not an issue.
“My gripe with him is has an enthusiasm for making Zimbabweans look stupid. He has better material. He should do that. I disagree with Lebo M that he is a wannabe. I just wish he didn’t sacrifice us for his fame.”
Below are some of the comments on X:
Is Zimbabwe the gift that keeps on giving, supplying endless fodder for comedians, or is Learnmore a one-trick pony scraping the barrel for “offensive” source material? – Lashion Ncube.
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I agree with you. He just has thin unfunny propensity to make us look like id***s in everything and every way. – Chidza Sachidza
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He is still a stupid guy who always ridicules Zimbabweans and Africans. – lary mpofu
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Rather than sacrificing Zimbabweans for fame, it could be argued that he’s actually bringing Zimbabwean stories and perspectives to a wider audience. Comedy thrives on perspective, and different people will interpret it differently, but that doesn’t mean the intention is to demean anyone. – Soul Seduction.
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100 percent, he is authentic and represent Zim on the big stage . . . I am not sure he has said anything that is completely off ? And, besides, if at times you can’t laugh at yourself as a person, then you need help. – Matt T Madzima.
