LEBO M TO TOUR AUSTRALIA IN MARCH 2019
‘The voice and spirit of The Lion King’, Lebo M returns to Australia, headlining his first solo tour. Kicking off the world tour in Sydney and taking to the stage at the Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall Melbourne, audiences will be captivated with his touching and striking music that resonates globally.
Lebo M is a South African producer and composer, most famous for his musical contributions to The Lion King animated feature and stage production, capturing the spirit of Africa, described as “in tune with the politics of the time in his home country” (CNN).
A GRAMMY-Award winner for ‘Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocals’ for the hit song Circle of Life, on which his soaring vocals can be heard, Lebo M has co-produced, co-written and performed numerous film soundtracks with Hans Zimmer, Jerry Goldsmith and James Newton-Howard.
As a performer, Lebo M has toured extensively as special guest on the Hans Zimmer World Tours including the acclaimed ‘Hollywood in Vienna’ concert. Lebo M was producer of The Lion King tenth anniversary production in South Africa in 2007. This was followed by Lebo M composing and executive producing the FIFA 2010 World Cup Opening and Closing Ceremonies in South Africa. Most recently, Lebo M took to the stage of the annual arts and music festival in California, Coachella, in 2017 as part of Hans Zimmer’s exclusive set.
The Soweto-born musician’s first big break came when the 1987 South African-themed movie Cry Freedom was nominated for an Academy Award and Lebo was asked to assemble a choir to perform at the Oscars. Since then, he has collaborated frequently with Hans Zimmer and his music is recognised the world over, largely due to the success of The Lion King stage production which has been seen by more than 95 million people. His additional feature film credits include Bryce Courtney’s The Power of One, Tears of The Sun, Dinosaur, Back On The Block and The Legend of Tarzan.
In Sydney and Melbourne, Lebo M will be performing many of his own compositions that he has made popular around the world, joined on stage by his South African band, The Pride Singers and symphony orchestra.
On announcing his Australian tour, Lebo says “The very thought and idea that I get to go back to Australia is mind blowing – I have a special relationship with Australia. I am about to fulfil a childhood dream embarking on a journey with my friend Michael Cassel, a dream I shared with him when we both embarked on the most ambitious mounting of The Lion King production in South Africa over ten years ago.
Little did I know or realise, Michael would eventually be promoting my first live tour, a milestone in my career and in the twenty-five years since the world first heard my voice in cinemas around the world with our now iconic ‘Nants Ingonyama’. I look forward to taking to the stage at the prestigious Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall.”
Michael Cassel says “Lebo and I have talked a lot over the years about celebrating his music in a concert tour, complete with symphony orchestra, his band and singers. He’s a wonderful musician, phenomenal composer and a dear friend. Having shared a lot of adventures around the world together over many years, I’m excited we are able to launch this world tour together in Australia.”
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