Online Reporter
COMEDIAN Learnmore Jonasi, says the world has gone “STUPID” to such an extent that he is now being sued for US$27 million for cracking a joke.
He is battling a lawsuit which was filed by The Lion King composer Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake, a prominent South African artist known for his songwriting and vocal work.
He has worked on films like The Lion King, The Power Of One and Outbreak.
Morake moved to Los Angeles when he was just 18.
Jonasi recently went viral on the ONE45 podcast for his misrepresentation of Nants’ Ingonyama, a famous chant from the song Circle of Life in Disney’s The Lion King movie.
In the podcast, Jonasi claimed Nants’ Ingonyama means “look, there’s a lion”, which led to Morake expressing his frustration about the twisting of the meaning behind the song.
Taking to social media, Jonasi claiming he got served the papers of his lawsuit during one of his recent performances.
“I’m officially getting sued for telling a joke,” he said. “I’m getting sued for US$27m.
“To make matters worse. I got served the lawsuit while I was performing on stage … right now I’m looking for a lawyer.
“I can’t believe I’m being sued for telling a joke. What kind of stupid world are we living in? This world is stupid.”
Morake said he had attempted to reason with the comedian privately.
“I tried to engage this young man from Zimbabwe. He’s intentionally misusing the global platform by going viral.
“Intentionally disrespecting and dismissing my explanation to him of the context of Nants’ Ingonyama, which is a cultural heritage and royal statement we made for years in honouring and welcoming a king,” he said.
Tshepo Mboni, who is now speaking on behalf of Morake, said the legal matter represents a defining stand for African intellectual property, cultural dignity and narrative ownership on the world stage.
“This is not merely a legal matter; it is a cultural correction. Nants’ Ingonyama is not a punchline or 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.” — H-Metro Reporter/IOL
Mathew Masinge
The world is indeed stupid, what more when people watch and others even cheer on when crazy men like US and Israel presidents drop bombs on people like they are Christmas fire crackers. When a normal person sues another for US$27 million because one wants to enhance his own ego, one begins to think that the word “normal” should be redefined.