On March 27th, comedian Learnmore Jonasi was served with legal papers on stage in Los Angeles as he performed at the Laugh Factory.
This was a result of a viral clip of him misinterpreting the intro to Walt Disney’s 1994 Lion King during an interview with Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Godfrey Danchima on their recently established podcast, ‘One54 Africa.’
The intro features the iconic Zulu chant performed by Lebo M well-known as ‘Naants Ingonyama,’ which Learnmore interpreted as,
“Look, there’s a lion! Oh my God!”
The Zimbabwean comic has stated through his social media posts that it was just a joke, in which he meant no harm.
However, the issue has escalated into a legal matter.
The amount which Lebo M is suing for is, in total, $27 million, which many have deemed to be a hefty amount.
However, late last month, Lebohang Morake sat down with Okay Africa’s Zinhle Ngema to discuss his ongoing lawsuit with Learnmore Jonasi, explaining the large figure.
“I was being generous.”
During his sit down with Ngema, he explained,
“The figure represents the quality of African content.”
Lebo M felt his work had been disrespected, with the mistranslation plastered across the internet causing damage to his brand and causing confusion.
It was confirmed that both sides had spoken to each other over the phone before the lawsuit ensued.
It seemed unproductive, however, with the call only adding fuel to the fire.
On the other hand, Jonasi finds the lawsuit unjust.
The comic had his big break on 2024 America’s Got Talent as he rose to the heights of the competition. He emerged a top 5 finalist and the world became familiar with his work.
But even before this, Jonasi resided in Chimanimani, a hilly village in Zimbabwe.
He refined his craft as he commuted to the capital, Harare, to perform.
From there, his efforts eventually led him to performing at shows all throughout Africa and eventually South Africa, where a multitude of opportunities, connections and awards offered him visibility and access which was pivotal to his move to the United States.
It is arguable however, that some of the themes of Jonasi’s comedy lean towards Western stereotypes of Africans, which tend to be negative.
For example, his use of comedic motifs when addressing witchcraft may seem harmless, and even to some humorous, despite the fact that it reinforces harmful stereotypes.
When combined with certain stage theatrics, the approach and overall message contributes to a distorted and damaging portrayal of Africa’s image.
“Anytime you spit on your history, spit on your culture, it’s a direct expression of how you think of yourself,” Lebo M stated on Okay Africa,
“Comedy is about uplifting the black family and the world over.”
Lebo M goes on to say that the Lion King is not just another movie, but rather a continental diasporan legacy.
The message is clear.
The lawsuit is more than just his work with the Lion King and or a ‘joke’ but rather the disparagement of an entire continent and its people.
Professionals in the legal field have doubts that the lawsuit will amount to any serious implications. However, the moment has definitely turned heads and started conversations about the arts, and the ways in which Africa is mentioned and represented, which may have been Lebo M’s actual goal.
Who knows?
On the other hand, it is unsure whether Jonasi intentionally strategizes his work this way in aims of profit.
With only five years of living in the United States and most of his life spent pursuing comedy in Africa, it is logical, but indefensible that he would present his new American audience with such jokes tearing down the image and cultures of Africans.
It is hard to say where Learnmore stands on these claims of him and his comedy or whether he will address them.
However, on One54 Africa he spoke on how inspiring it was for Zimbabwe to have positive rep after his golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent.
“Zimbabwe is always talked about in terms of corruption, and stuff like that but for a change at that time, it was something different. It was good news.”
All we can do from our end is wish both parties a peaceful resolution to their now legal conflict.
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