2024 marks 30 years since The Lion King released in cinemas

Company-wide celebrations kick off with unique fashion collaboration

TV Specials, product ranges and more lie in store for fans to celebrate

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa. - 2024 heralds the 30th anniversary of The Lion King and, to mark his special milestone, The Walt Disney Company Africa will be celebrating the film’s continuing legacy in South Africa through unique and exciting launches, collaborations and more, in the lead up to the highly anticipated 20 December release of Mufasa: The Lion King in cinemas.

In 1994, South Africans were introduced to The Lion King, Disney’s epic cinema animated adventure in both English and Zulu. The story follows Simba, a feisty lion cub who “just can’t wait to be king.” Led astray by his ambitious Uncle Scar, Simba adopts a carefree lifestyle with his hilarious companions, Timon and Pumbaa, and forgets his regal responsibilities. But destiny calls and he has to decide when the time is right to return to the Pride Lands and reclaim his place in the “Circle Of Life.” The Lion King remains the highest-attended animated film of all time in South Africa.

Since then, The Lion King has continued to enthral audiences in South Africa and across the globe. In 1997, The Lion King musical premiered on Broadway and has become one of the most successful musicals of all time. Directed by Julie Taymor and featuring a roster of South African performers, the production visited South Africa in 2007 and became an instant hit with theatre-goes, holding the record for the longest-running stage play in South Africa at that time.

Two further animated features were released – The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride (2001) and The Lion King 1½ (2004) – and, in 2017, kids and families welcomed the animated series The Lion Guard, airing on Disney Junior in English and on SABC 1 in Zulu. In 2019, pioneering filmmaking techniques brought The Lion King to the big screen in a whole new way, led by director Jon Favreau and featuring Dr John Kani as Rafiki. Following the release in July, the cinematic adventure went on to become the highest grossing film of all time at the South African box office, a record it still holds today.

"Celebrating our own 30th anniversary this year, we are delighted to join in the festivities commemorating 30 years since The Lion King first graced the cinemas," says Kholofelo Magagane, MTN SA’s acting General Manager for Marketing.

"This iconic film has brought joy and entertainment to an entire generation and now to their children as well. Partnering with Disney for this milestone is a perfect extension of our collaboration which has helped us transform access to entertainment to deliver worldclass streaming from the incredible storytellers and creators at Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic to MTN subscribers on SA’s best network.".

Comments Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa: “For 30 years, South African’s have contributed to the ongoing legacy of The Lion King, through the talent featured in front and behind the screens, scenes and stages. We are excited to be marking this milestone by acknowledging that contribution as well as further celebrating the creativity, storytelling excellence and emotional connection South African’s have to this beloved story through exciting and engaging local activities.”

Presented in association with Nedbank and MTN, the local activities include:

• Disney Africa will host a once-off The Lion King orchestral concert experience featuring the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and special guest talent, that will be broadcast to viewers across the country in August
• Prolific local designer Gert Johan-Coetzee will unveil a brand new capsule fashion collection in July, entirely inspired by The Lion King, as part of his year-long collaboration with Disney Africa
• A yet-to-be-announced kids theatrical production will be heading to Johannesburg later this year
• A unique screening program of The Lion King in Zulu language will kick off with a non-profit organisation
• The Lion King films and associated series will all be available to stream on Disney+
• Select product ranges will be available for South African families at participating retailers from July, with a special Pandora x Disney’s The Lion King range currently available
• Mufasa: The Lion King, featuring local voice artists Dr John Kani (Rafiki), Kagiso Lediga (Young Rafiki) and Thuso Mbedu, and featuring music and performances by Lebo M, will release in cinemas nationwide from 20 December

With many more announcements planned, fans can stay up to date through following @DisneyAfrica on Instagram and @DisneyinAfrica on Facebook, using #TheLionKing.

The Lion King’s 30th Anniversary is presented in association with Nedbank and MTN.