Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi, whose real name is Learnmore Mwanyenyeka, is a happy man after a favourable conclusion to a $27m (R460m) lawsuit brought on by The Lion King composer Lebo M against him.
Mwanyenyekai’s legal problems started when he went to Akbar Gbajabiamila and comedian Godfrey’s One54 Africa Podcast, where they spoke about the lyrics at the beginning of the movie’s theme song, Circle of Life, among other topics.
Mwanyenyeka said the translation for “Nants’ingonyama bagithi baba” amounted to “Look, there is a lion. Oh my God,” which, according to Lebo M, is a damaging misrepresentation.
Lebo M took the legal route to resolve his displeasure, which was exacerbated by Mwanyenyeka’s unfavourable response when he tried to resolve it privately.
As a result, Mwanyenyeka set up a GoFundMe to fight the lawsuit, which he ultimately won, with costs.
Now, Lebo M not only doesn’t get the $27 million he wanted from Mwanyenyeka, but he has to pay the $39,560 (R640,000) Mwanyenyeka owes in legal fees.
In celebration of his courtroom victory, Mwanyenyeka took to social media to gloat about being $39,560 richer.
Asked by the cameraman how it feels to finally have money for rent, Mwanyenyeka responded: “Ah, you have no idea. I’m not working for a year. 30 what? 39 point 5.62 richer. You know it’s called ‘f**k around and learn more’.”