Lebo M Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Albums, Movies, Songs

Lebohang Morake, professionally known as Lebo M, is a South African composer, producer, and performer renowned for his iconic contributions to Disney’s The Lion King franchise, including the films and stage productions.

His distinctive voice opens The Lion King (1994) with the unforgettable “Nants Ingonyama” chant, and his work as a composer and choir conductor has earned him global recognition.

Recommended to Disney by Hans Zimmer, Lebo M has also worked on films like The Power of One and Outbreak, blending African rhythms with cinematic scores.

Profile

• Full Name: Lebohang Morake
• Stage Name: Lebo M
• Born: July 11, 1964
• Age: 60 years old
• Birthplace: Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: Composer, Producer, Performer
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Morake
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Angela Morake (m. 2008–2013), Pretty Samuels (m.2022–2023)
• Children: Zakiya, Nthabiseng, Refilwe, Tshepiso, Thembalethu, Mthunzi, Ketso, Letti
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $4 million–5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Lebohang Morake was born on July 11, 1964, in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, during the apartheid era.

Raised by his parents, whose names are not publicly known, he grew up in a challenging environment with limited information available about his siblings.

With no formal music training, Morake left school at age nine to perform in nightclubs. At 15, he was supported by Lesotho’s Ambassador to the United States, Tim Thahane, to attend the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in the U.S.

He later studied at Los Angeles City College, honing his musical talents. His ethnicity is Black South African, and his religion is not publicly known.

Career

Lebohang Morake began his career performing in South African nightclubs at age nine, showcasing his raw musical talent.

At 13, he recorded his first single, “Celebration,” earning just $20, and became the youngest performer at Club Pelican.

His early break came through a chance meeting with childhood friend Solly Letwaba, who introduced him to producer Hilton Rosenthal. This connection led to his collaboration with Hans Zimmer on The Power of One (1992), where he co-wrote and arranged African choruses, marking his entry into film music.

Morake’s career soared when Hans Zimmer recommended him to Disney for The Lion King (1994).

He formed and conducted the African choir, composed additional music, and delivered the iconic opening chant. His work extended to Rhythm of the Pride Lands and The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride, earning him a Grammy and a Tony nomination for the stage musical.

He also composed for films like Congo (1995) and Outbreak (1995), founded the Lebo M Foundation, and produced the FIFA 2010 World Cup ceremonies, solidifying his reputation as a versatile music powerhouse.

Recently, Morake has continued to shape the music industry with performances at global events like the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, where he sang “Circle of Life” and “He Lives in You.”

In 2024, he joined the music team for Mufasa: The Lion King, collaborating with Lin-Manuel Miranda.

As a performer on Hans Zimmer’s world tours and a producer of South African theater, his influence endures. Through Till Dawn Entertainment, he fosters new talent, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of African music in global cinema.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @thereallebo_m
• Facebook Handle: Lebo M

Personal Life

Lebohang Morake has had a complex personal life, marked by multiple marriages.

He was married to Viveca Gipson for five years, with whom he has two children, Zakiya and Nthabiseng.

His second marriage to Nandi Ndlovu (1992–2007) produced three children: Refilwe, Tshepiso, and Thembalethu.

He married Angela Ngani-Casara twice (2008–2013 and 2016–2017), with whom he has two children, Mthunzi and Letti.

Engaged to Zoe Mthiyane until 2016, he has one child, Ketso, from that relationship. His 2022 marriage to Pretty Samuels ended in divorce proceedings in 2023.

Filmography

• The Power of One (1992) – Composer, Arranger
• The Lion King (1994) – Composer, Performer, Choir Conductor
• Congo (1995) – Composer
• Outbreak (1995) – Composer
• Rhythm of the Pride Lands (1995) – Composer, Performer
• The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998) – Composer, Performer
• Tears of the Sun (2003) – Composer
• The Legend of Tarzan (2016) – Composer
• Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) – Additional Music

Net Worth

Lebohang Morake’s estimated net worth ranges between $4 million and $5 million USD.

His wealth derives primarily from his work as a composer and producer for major films, notably The Lion King franchise, as well as stage productions and global performances with Hans Zimmer.