Circle of Life became one of the most iconic songs in cinema after being used as the opening track of the 1994 film The Lion King.
However, very few people knew what the beginning of the song’s lyrics actually said. Until now. In a recent episode of the podcast One54, which celebrates the language, culture, and heritage of the 54 African nations, the translation finally came to light.
The revelation came from comedian Learnmore Jonasi, who, during a recent appearance on the podcast, explained to hosts Godfrey and Akbar Gbajabiamila what the opening portion of the song, sung in Zulu, really means.
The beginning of the song says: “Sithi uhm ingonyama/Nants ingonyama bagithi baba”. Although it sounds majestic, it simply means: “Oh yes, it’s a lion/Here comes a lion, father.” The anticlimactic revelation made the hosts burst into laughter.
“All this time, I thought it was this beautiful, majestic, spiritual thing. They made billions from it,” Godfrey admitted. However, internet users whose native language is Zulu stepped in to clarify that this translation is not entirely accurate.
“The translation of this song is wrong. Although I understand that Zulu is not your native language. I am Zulu and it basically translates to: ‘Here is our lion,’ and what it really means in our culture is: ‘Here is our King!’ It’s like a chant,” one commenter said.
“The translation is overly simplified. In Nguni languages, a lion can be referred to as ibhubesi (general speech) or ingonyama, which refers to the majesty of the creature and also as a reference to the king. The opening words ‘nansi ingonyama bakithi’ mean: ‘Look, here is His Majesty.’ A very strong statement,” emphasized another.
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