Lebohang 'Lebo M' Morake, The Alchemy of Collaboration

In this gripping episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with Grammy-winning composer Lebohang Morake, known the world over simply as Lebo M, the voice and vision behind some of the most celebrated music in cinematic and stage history. From his early days in Johannesburg to his groundbreaking work on The Lion King, Lebo M discusses the deep cultural roots of his music, his inspirations, and the personal and professional journeys that have shaped his illustrious career.He shares stories of the challenges he faced, the triumphs he celebrated, and the wisdom he’s gathered along the way. This episode is not just about music; it's about making a global impact while staying connected to one’s heritage.From his beginnings in Soweto’s Pelican Club to exile in Lesotho and global acclaim, Lebo’s journey is a testament to the power of intuition, passion, and unshakable authenticity.Key Moments:The Hustle Begins: At 14, Lebo became the youngest background singer in South Africa, thanks to a mother who “threw [him] at anything arts-related”—even when school wasn’t a priority.Exile & Survival: A gig in Lesotho turned into a political escape. “I collapsed at the Caledon River. They carried me across,” he recalls. His refugee hustle? Playing piano for ambassadors to fund his passage to America.The Power of Naivety: How a coffee-run kid co-composed The Power of One soundtrack without formal training. “Hans Zimmer’s orchestrators said, ‘Call a lawyer—that’s YOUR work.’”Lion King’s Magic: Lebo reveals the serendipity behind Circle of Life: “I was bored, humming over Hans’ chords. That ‘ahhh’? One take.”Broadway Revolution: Why The Lion King’s stage adaptation redefined African storytelling: “It was tech meets tradition—and it worked.”Parenting & Sacrifice: “My older kids grew up in hotels. I’m still making up lost time.”Lin-Manuel & Mufasa: Why he embraced the prequel: “If it’s Lin, I’m in.”Why Listen?Lebo’s story isn’t just about music—it’s about trusting your voice when no one else does. His reflections on collaboration (“Art isn’t work when you love it”) and confronting fear (“I’m terrified until I step on stage”) will inspire creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating reinvention.Join us to explore the profound impact of Lebo M’s work, learn from his approach to creativity and innovation, and get inspired by his commitment to mentoring the next generation of artists. This is a journey through the life of a man who has not only made music but also made history.Listen now to uncover how exile shaped an icon, why authenticity outlasts trends, and how to turn chaos into creativity.Subscribe, watch/listen now on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a comment or review and join the conversation. You can find the latest from Lebo M on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or get the latest from her ⁠website⁠⁠.For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania