Lebo M tells THR he was "Lion-Kinged out" until he got in contact with director Barry Jenkins and learned that the film was a completely different concept. Plus, at the premiere of 'Mufasa: The Lion King' he shares what it was like to almost be competing with himself and work with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
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00:00Now when it comes to the music, so obviously this film, the original, has so many classics.
00:06How did you kind of step into this one?
00:08Well, I believe I'm the first person that was called some three, four years ago.
00:13And I was like, ah, I'm blanking out until I got on a call with Barry, the director,
00:20and got into the script and realized that it's a whole new movie.
00:26So I found it very exciting to be part of a whole new journey
00:30that doesn't feel like I'm doing the same story.
00:33I've been doing this for 30 years. I've done all the Broadway shows around the world.
00:37I was here 2019.
00:39But I think to be able to be part of a prequel and then write new music,
00:44especially I wrote and performed the beginning, I don't think I can express it.
00:53And what type of emotional response do you want to get from audiences with your music?
00:58Well, it's been overwhelming for 30 years,
01:01especially now past the movie theaters and selling out arenas around the world.
01:06I'm looking forward to the challenge of the beginning of the movie.
01:12It's a bit scary because we have this iconic,
01:17and as of tonight, it's like I'm competing with myself, which is quite a privilege.
01:24But also having worked with Lin-Manuel and Barry,
01:28it's just made me feel so at home and the storyline and everything else.
01:32So there's nothing that makes me feel like I've been doing this for 30 years
01:37or I've been doing a movie that has been around.
01:41So I look forward to the audience response also because the music is amazing.
01:45Absolutely, I'm excited too.
01:46And speak a little bit more about working alongside Lin when it came to bringing this music to life.
01:52What was you guys' creative process like?
01:54I think first of all, to be lucky to work, I'm a number one fan of Lin.
01:59For many years ago when I was on Broadway working and I saw In The Heights,
02:04all I know is one day I want to meet whoever is behind the music.
02:08Years later, I'm literally in studio with Lin and we just chilled.
02:14It's like we've known each other for over 30 years and he's such a genius.
02:19His energy and his spirit has been absolutely amazing.
02:24And lastly, what was your favorite song to create for this original film, this origin story?
02:30From 1994? Or this one?
02:34No, this one.
02:35The beginning, I must say.
02:38Because when I got in the movie, I was not expecting to write a beginning of it.
02:44And it's been a challenge.
02:46It's a bigger challenge for me now because I did nothing for 30 years.
02:52So it's like, let's see.
02:58It's like I'm competing with me, which is fun.
03:02Since we've performed it here and there, the reception has been amazing.
03:07I'm a bit nervous though because I look forward to the next 30 years.