"Saudi Arabia Opening up to the World Culturally," Says Composer Lebo M
This occasion marked M's first visit to Saudi Arabia, in which he amused audience at Riyadh Season and seized the opportunity to reveal more about his career creating Disney hits.
'I got the privilege of leaving (the hotel) and going to the desert and getting the sense of both worlds and I am looking at the evolution of a society of a country in less than five years (since 2018). I appreciated the fact that I came here when it appears that Saudi Arabia is opening up to the world culturally,' he told Arab News after the show.
The iconic talent is generally known for creating the distinctive opening chant of the 'Circle of Life' from 1994's beloved 'The Lion King.'
Interestingly, M returned to the studio for 2024's 'Mufasa: The Lion King' with a song he composed titled 'Ngomso' and 'We Go Together,' which he co-composed with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
'I love interacting with people and learning about the country through people, hanging out here and meeting with people… It feels to me like 'wow,' I am coming to Saudi Arabia on a new journey of Saudi Arabia that has not been exposed to the world, and that's exciting,' he added. Great Passion
M was born in 1964 and was forced into exile at the age of 16 after travelling to Lesotho to perform without an ID or passport.
Then, he attempted to re-enter South Africa, but he was denied.
Therefore, he settled in Lesotho before moving to the US.
'It never killed my dream of being somebody. When you come from where I come from, where you grew up with people that die young, that politically get arrested, I dreamed that I was going to be somebody,' said M.
At that time, M found himself homeless, however, he continued to pursue his passion for music.
'My passion was rerouted, and I discovered Lebo M, the South African artist, because I had something unique,' he added.
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