Los Angeles, CA March 2, 1995 -- Lebo M, 30, who fled Soweto, South Africa at the age of 14 to pursue a musical career in America, won his first Grammy award for Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocal on the "Circle of Life" from the multi-platinum "The Lion King" soundtrack. The second South African in history ever to win the award, after Caiphus Semanya, Lebo accepted the award on stage at the Shrine Auditorium with Hans Zimmer, with whom he was co-nominated on March 1, 1995.

The award validates Lebo's contributions to the film as the first time African music has become firmly entrenched in American mainstream entertainment. The growing acceptance of the musical genre is evidenced by his scheduled performance on the Academy Awards telecast on March 27, 1995 and the release of his debut album titled "Rhythm of the Pride Lands" on Walt Disney Records February 28, 1995.

The smash success of "The Lion King" cinched the debut record deal for the Sowetan born performer/composer/arranger. An album which he co-produced, performed on and composed, the record features 12 cuts: inspirations from "The Lion King" soundtrack, original and exhilarating songs backed by resonant African choirs and intoxicating rhythms and a reggae version of "Hakuna Matata" with guest star Jimmy Cliff. "Rhythms" shipped Gold this month to record stores throughout the U.S. and will be available in South Africa on March 17, 1995.

Lebo M created the musical authenticity of "The Lion King." It is his soaring voice heard as the movie opens and throughout as lead vocalist. Lebo also served as the choral arranger, conductor and choir master on the blockbuster project.

"I never expected to win," said Lebo. "As I ran to the stage, I saw a tape of my life rewinding at high speed: growing up in one of the worst ghettos in the world, a product of apartheid, and now I am in a tuxedo in Los Angeles accepting a Grammy award for my work. Everything seems so unreal. In reflection, I am struck by things like the fact that my mother, who I left at the age of 14, has never heard me sing. She is in LA now visiting me and was at Disneyland with my children last week where she heard my voice for the first time in "The Lion King" parade. What an amazing day this has been."

Lebo recently created music for (Jurassic Park) author Michael Crichton's "Congo," a Paramount release scheduled for next summer. He also wrote and performed "Welcome to our World," a song for the Disney Channel's upcoming television special titled "People." Based on Peter Spier's children's novel about the unification of the ethnicities of the world, Lebo's song will be amongst a list of contributions from Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, Peabo Bryson and Heavy D. A list of Lebo's performing, arranging, writing and producing credits include Warner Bros.' "The Power of One," "Made in America," "Bopha," Quincy Jones' "Back on the Block," the Academy Awards telecast of "Cry Freedom" and the Oscar nominated "Senzenina." Lebo also performed in the national tour of "Sarafina!"
# # #

Walt Disney Records:
Maria Kleinman - (818) 567-5328

Back to: Lebo M. Background