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Just days after the much-talked about Hollywood premiere of Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, South African acting legend, Dr John Kani and renowned comedian Kagiso Lediga made dazzling appearance at the Johannesburg premiere of the highly-anticipated all new big screen adventure, which opens at local cinemas on Friday, December 20.
In the movie, Dr Kani lends his voice as Rafiki, while Lediga is cast as the young Rafiki. To celebrate this awe-inspiring moment in world cinema, the red carpet was ablaze with flashes and ‘Savannah Sunset’ themed glamour.
True to form, the two leading men showcased sheer bravado and some witty banter that’s just as charming off-screen as it is on-screen.
Over 1000 guests were treated to a host of special moments, including a rousing rendition of “I Always Wanted A Brother” (featured on the original motion picture soundtrack, out in South Africa on Friday, December 13). The song was performed by the Northcliff Primary School student choir after they were voted by listeners as the winners of a competition by radio 947.
Held in association with MTN and Nedbank, a number of immersive activations kept guest entertained throughout the night. As fans and A-listers mingled cheerfully, alongside two of South Africa’s most accomplished talents, it’s clear that ‘Mufasa‘ is set for the big things sales-wise.
Mufasa: The Lion King – all star-cast, tickets now on sale
Tickets are on sale now for ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ which calls on Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick.
Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.
In addition to South African talents, Dr Kani and Lediga – as well as Thuso Mbedu – the film features an all-star international oster of talent, including mother-daughter duo Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and Blue Ivy, Donald Glover, Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Tiffany Boone, Preston Nyman, Mads Mikkelsen, Thandiwe Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and Dominique Jennings among others.
Blending live-action filmmaking techniques with photoreal computer-generated imagery, the all-new feature film is directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski & Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen.
Featuring original songs by award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, original score by Dave Metzger and additional music and vocal performances by Lebo M, ‘Mufasa: The Lion King‘
is the highest-grossing film ever – with the original 1994 film remaining the highest-grossing animation in South Africa.
Both a prequel and sequel to the 2019 live action blockbuster adaptation of the 1994 film ‘The Lion King‘, the musical first premiered in South Africa in 2007. It became an instant hit with local theatre-goers, setting new records for the longest-running stage play presented in South Africa.
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the film – to mark this milestone, The Walt Disney Company Africa has been celebrating the film’s continuing legacy in South Africa ahead of next week’s opening. The film and animation pioneer hosted a live tribute concert, a collaboration with the National Children’s Theatre in staging ‘The Lion King Jnr’, and a screening program of the ground-breaking film in the Zulu language and much more.
