Reservoir Media acquires rights to SA composer Lebo M’s catalogue

The acquisition aligns with Reservoir Media’s strategy of investing in culturally significant works and emerging markets. The deal follows the company’s recent acquisitions of Spanish independent label Altafonte and Brazilian label Som Livre, further strengthening its global footprint.

The partnership ensures that Lebo M’s iconic compositions will continue to inspire audiences around the world for generations to come.

“I’m proud to join forces with Reservoir Media, a company that recognises the power of music to unite and inspire,” Lebo M said. “This partnership will enable me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and sharing my music with new generations.”

Reservoir founder and CEO Golnar Khosrowshahi said: “Lebo’s music has moved generations of film lovers, with his contributions to The Lion King shaping some of film’s most beloved music. We are proud to bring in rights to his influential catalogue, reinforcing Reservoir’s interest in successful and culturally defining film scores. We look forward to working with Lebo in the next phase of his career.”

Lebo M is globally celebrated for his work on The Lion King franchise, which has earned him international acclaim. He first gained recognition in Hollywood through his collaboration with composer Hans Zimmer on the 1992 film The Power of One. This partnership laid the foundation for Lebo M’s iconic contributions to Disney’s 1994 animated film The Lion King. Lebo M’s composition and performance of the opening chant in “Circle of Life” became a defining moment in film music history. His work on the soundtrack earned a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocals, while the film’s score won an Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Building on this success, Lebo M contributed to additional The Lion King projects, including the Rhythm of the Pride Lands soundtrack, the sequel The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, and the 2019 photorealistic remake. Most recently, he joined forces with Lin-Manuel Miranda to compose music for Mufasa: The Lion King, set to release this month.

Lebo M’s involvement extended beyond film, as he played a key role in the Broadway adaptation of The Lion King. The stage musical, featuring compositions by Lebo M, Hans Zimmer, Elton John, and Julie Taymor, won the Tony Award for Best Musical and received a nomination for Best Original Score. It has since become the highest-grossing Broadway production of all time, reaching over 100 million people worldwide during its 21-year run.