Lebohang “Lebo M.” Morake (born 11 July 1964 in Soweto, Johannesburg, South… Read Full Bio ↴Lebohang “Lebo M.” Morake (born 11 July 1964 in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa) is a South African producer and composer. He arranged and performed music for The Lion King movies and stage productions. He was recommended to Disney by Hans Zimmer, the score composer of The Lion King, and was later hired to form and conduct the African choir that sang for the movies. His voice is the first voice heard in the beginning of the film, singing a chant over the opening sequence which is often considered synonymous with the film's image in popular culture. He also contributed to the sequel to the film's soundtrack, Rhythm of the Pride Lands, and the film's direct-to-video sequel The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.

Lebo Morake was born on 11 July 1964 in the Apartheid-ridden Soweto in Johannesburg, South Africa and inspired by Nelson Mandela, he spent years working hard in the South African slums but was exiled from South Africa in 1979. He made his way to the U.S. and to Los Angeles where he worked in a variety of jobs, including begging and serving at McDonald's. He returned to South Africa 5 years after the elimination of the Apartheid regime after being gone for 20 years. He lives with his family in Johannesburg and Los Angeles. He founded the Lebo M Foundation and Till Dawn Entertainment.

Lala
Lebo M Lyrics

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Oh mta ka mama wam
Oh mfo wethu
Ndi ya ku khumbula mna
La la, La la

Oh mta ka mama wam
Oh mfo wethu
Ndi ya ku khalela mna

Motswalle waka
Ngwana mme
Ndiyani khumbula
La la kahle

Motswalle waka
Ngwana mme
Ndiyani khumbula
La la kahle

We sangoma ngi velelwe
We baba ngivelelwe
We baba ngivelelwe

We sangoma ngi velelwe
We baba ngivelelwe
We baba ngivelelwe

Oh mta ka mama wam
Oh mfo wethu
Ndi ya ku khalela mna

Motswalle waka
Ngwana mme
Ndiyani khumbula
La la kahle

Motswalle waka
Ngwana mme
Ndiyani khumbula
La la kahle

We sangoma ngi velelwe
We baba ngivelelwe
We baba ngivelelwe

We sangoma ngi velelwe

We baba ngivelelwe
We baba ngivelelwe

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Lebo M's song Lala are mostly in Xhosa, one of the official languages of South Africa, and the song carries a strong sense of nostalgia and love for a departed loved one. The song begins with the singer addressing their mother and brother ("mta ka mama wam" and "mfo wethu") and expressing that they miss them ("Ndi ya ku khumbula mna" and "Ndi ya ku khalela mna"). The repetition of "La la" suggests a lulling lullaby meant to comfort and put to rest the memories of their loved ones. The following verse continues with the same sentiment, with the singer addressing their "Motswalle waka" (young man) and "Ngwana mme" (young lady), and asking who remembers the departed loved ones. The last part of the song expresses the singer's connection to their African spirituality, using the word "sangoma" (traditional healer) to suggest they have been touched by the spiritual realm and that their ancestors are with them.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh mta ka mama wam
Oh my mother's child

Oh mfo wethu
Oh my brother

Ndi ya ku khumbula mna
I remember you

La la, La la
Sleep, sleep

Ndi ya ku khalela mna
I'm missing you

Motswalle waka
My child

Ngwana mme
My baby

Ndiyani khumbula
Who remembers me

La la kahle
Sleep well

We sangoma ngi velelwe
I was chosen as a healer

We baba ngivelelwe
I was initiated into manhood