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The struggle of Soweto's 'Lion King'

It was a long road to the recording studio for Lebo M who wrote songs for the hit Disney movie and stage adaptation.

Born under apartheid and in poverty, South African composer Lebo M grew up loving music and became a performer at a young age. His talent took him on a tumultuous journey from Soweto to Hollywood. As he worked on the music for Disney's hit animation The Lion King and as apartheid came to an end in South Africa, the story of those lions fighting for their kingdom took on a whole new relevance to him.

Rosalyn Wilder always dreamed of working in show business. There was one job she had that she could never forget — trying to get Hollywood superstar Judy Garland on stage for her final performances in London in the 1960s. She remembers the singer's struggles with addiction and confidence. Rosalyn's relationship with Garland is portrayed in the film, Judy.

Picture: Lebo M attends The Lion King On Broadway 15th Anniversary Celebration
Credit: Getty Images

Available now

53 minutes

Last on

Fri 25 Oct 2019 03:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 24 Oct 2019 11:06GMT
  • Thu 24 Oct 2019 15:06GMT
  • Thu 24 Oct 2019 17:06GMT
  • Thu 24 Oct 2019 20:06GMT
  • Fri 25 Oct 2019 02:06GMT
  • Fri 25 Oct 2019 03:06GMT

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