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The Music | Pop Song and Musical Theatre | African Music | South African Music | Instrument Glossary
"CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT?
THE PEACE THE EVENING BRINGS?
THE WORLD, FOR ONCE,
IN PERFECT HARMONY
WITH ALL ITS LIVING THINGS"*
 'The
Lion King' animated film incorporated five songs by composer Elton John
and lyricist Tim Rice: hits like "The
Circle of Life," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" and
"Hakuna
Matata." For the stage version, more songs were needed to
explore Simbas growth and Nala's courage. The
creative team turned to The Rhythm of the Pride Lands, a recording
inspired by the film, featuring songs by South African songwriter Lebo
M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer. The lyrics of these
soulful and evocative melodies were rewritten for the stage version, but
their South African sound and mood became the foundation for a unique
combination. Along with its daring design and direction, the score for
'The Lion King' musical blends American popular music with African rhythms
into a seamless and completely new whole.
Click here to listen to a selection of audio clips from the show.
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