A native South African, I have experienced most of my life in exile. When I left my family behind in Soweto to pursue a dream of making music in America I was 15 years old. More than a decade later, when I created music for "The Lion King," I found the story of young Simba to parallel my own life. His short, but loving education from his father, rebellion and eventual struggle to regain a foothold in his native land was all too familiar and provided my work with a very personal element. Working on this film was especially meaningful to me as it was this project that brought me home as an established musical artist for the first time. Like Simba, I too lost family and close friends during my time away, but returned home victorious to the open arms of my newly freed countrymen and family. This album is a continuation of these inspirations and a tribute to the New South Africa.

He Lives In You: At some point in our lives, we all question the existence of a higher power; be it God, or the power of an ancestral legacy. Simba's confrontation with Mufasa inspired him to return from exile to reclaim the life that was his birthright, much like my own spiritual awakening led me home to end 15 years in exile.

Busa: The word "busa" is a Zulu word meaning "rule" and "le lizwe" means "this land." Simba's personal journey that brought him back to rule his ancestral lands mirrored, in my mind, Nelson Mandela's quest for the same goal. In this case, fact and fiction are one as change allowed each to emerge victorious as ruler.

It's Time: This began as a celebratory lyric that reminded me of the joys and pains of my past. The melody drew my attention to Simba's painful and confusing childhood at home and in exile; a childhood that ultimately blossomed with victory and joy in the Pridelands.

Kube: Kube is a famous South African song, many versions of which have been made by my musical predecessors including Letti Mabulu and ____. Kube is actually the name of a large river in Africa whose powerful flow will not permit the crossing of it. The song's lyrics are a tribute to nature which celebrate the river's unyielding strength and personify the crossing of it as a rite of passage and personal growth.

One By One: A chant-like composition drawing from ancient African warrior songs, One by One features deep male voices that penetrate the soul. It symbolizes my personal struggle to retain strength through adversity and serves as a universal mantra for all people of oppressed nations to find power from within.

Lala: This is a very personal tribute to my younger brother who passed away shortly after I left for America. Ironically enough, this occurred the day after my best friend, with whom I traveled together to the U.S., was accidentally shot on the streets of New York. Although I remain a very private person, I continue to dedicate my work to my much missed brother and Vernon; it is through music that I have always best communicated my feelings.

Lea Halalela: Drawing on my ancestral history of the Tswana tribe, the word "lea halalela" means "holy." This song illustrates the importance of ruling your land with care and respect because it is the earth from which we are born and eventually become again.

The Lion Sleeps: A universally recognized song, most don't know that this was South Africa's most dear and well-known export. I enjoyed making this song my own by adding authentic African rhythms and rich choirs to create a very new, yet original version.

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