Most of us remember “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” from the Disney hit “The Lion King.”
Since its release in 1994, the movie has not just given us a memorable soundtrack but also inspired a Broadway musical, a 2019 remake, a TV series, and an endless array of merchandise.
Yet, the song’s journey began long before its Disney fame, captivating audiences for decades.
The soundtrack of “The Lion King” is unforgettable, with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” as one of its standout tracks.
While many associate this catchy tune with the Disney film, it actually first hit the charts in 1961, performed by the New York singing group the Tokens.
This fact often surprises those who’ve grown up humming along to its melody while picturing the characters.
The story of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is even more fascinating when you discover its origins.
The song, known in the 1960s, was adapted from “Mbube,” a track recorded in 1939 by Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds.
This South African hit was transformed into “Wimoweh” by the Weavers in the 1950s and eventually became the version we all know and love by the Tokens.
Despite its widespread love and recognition, the song’s history is tangled in controversy.
It especially concerns licensing and copyright issues that emerged with the release of the first “Lion King” movie.
Nonetheless, Solomon Linda’s creation has been embraced worldwide, with numerous artists putting their own spin on the beloved tune.
Among those artists is Quorum, a Lithuanian a cappella group known for their impeccable vocal skills.
As Lithuania’s only professional male a cappella group, they’ve made a name for themselves since their formation in 2005, often collaborating with some of the country’s top pop artists.
It’s no surprise either, they’re really good!
You’re going to love the performance below.
Today, Quorum is made up of ensemble leader Vitalij Neugasimov, countertenor Audrius Jautakis, bassists Romanas Savickas and Vytautas GaileviÄius, baritone Žilvinas Äaplikas, and tenor Artur Å ulc.
Their biography highlights their unique ability to produce a special, almost instrumental sound through a cappella singing, showcasing their range from pop songs to traditional carols.
Their rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” in front of a 12,000-strong crowd in Kaunas, Lithuania, was a highlight of their career.
This Valentine’s Day performance won the hearts of many, amassing over 500,000 views on YouTube and showcasing their talent to a wider audience.
It’s brought smiles to many, to say the least.
What truly sets Quorum apart is their ability to recreate realistic animal sounds with their voices.
It adds a unique layer to their performances.
This skill, particularly evident in their rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” invites listeners on an auditory journey to the heart of the jungle.
Whether you first encountered “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” through the Tokens, as a child watching “The Lion King,” or more recently in the 2019 remake, Quorum’s version is likely to become a new favorite.
Be sure to check it out in the video below!
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