Fearful of an attack on their lives, Sogolon took Sundiata and the rest of her children and fled into exile, leaving a kingdom in disarray. He gathered an army to liberate the Mandinka people and overthrow the Sosso king. Located on the edge of Hamburg’s magnificent harbor, the Theater im Hafen Hamburg attracts audiences from across Germany, who travel to the theatre on special LION KING boats. While certain aspects of the story vary, the general narrative remains constant. ... Elton John Tim Rice. However, his most establishing role as a film actor was as Curtis, Trevor's Uncle, in the 2006 film Kidulthood, a role which he reprised for the sequel to the film Adulthood (2008), the latter of which was directed by fellow actor Noel Clarke. IGN Summer Movie Awards 2011 Nominee IGN Award: Best 3D Movie: Best Movie Blu-Ray. On Thursday, Disney will rerelease “The Lion King,” entirely redone in photorealistic computer animation. From the original animated film that debuted in 1994 to the 1997 Broadway musical performance, “The Lion King” remains one of the highest-grossing and longest-running shows in history. It’s a story of a mother who protected her family by fleeing to exile. You are more than what you have become … remember who you are.” In history, forgetting is political. They aren’t taken as seriously as European rulers of the past such as Alexander the Great, King Richard the Lionheart or Napoleon, all of whom have become household names. [1] He made his final appearance on 16 December 2013. On sale date to be announced. It currently plays 8 times a week at the Minskoff Theatre, in the heart of Times Square. He is most renowned for his role as Trife's uncle, Curtis, in the films Kidulthood (2006), Adulthood (2008) and Brotherhood in addition to later starring in the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Sam James, during 2013. As of 2017, “The Lion King” musical has grossed more than $8.1 billion. In some ways, this history makes for a better story than what Disney concocted. But what fans don’t know is that the story of “The Lion King” is not just a great story — it’s a true story. The Lion King (1994) Soundtracks. The continuing promotion of Western European literature, such as Shakespeare, has obscured our ability to see African narratives as equally significant. Over the course of the next few years he appeared in television shows including Maisie Raine and Lenny Henry in Pieces, and also appeared in the films Rottweiler and Red Mercury. THE LION KING London continues to break records and remains the West End’s best-selling musical. He has also appeared in another medical drama Holby City on two occasions, the first in 2002, before returning to appear in another episode of the series ten years on in 2012. Mandinka griots tell a story of King Naré Maghann Konaté, the real-life Mufasa. In August 2012, he made a one-off appearance in the BBC television series, Waterloo Road. In a similar vein, many were unaware of South African Zulu singer Solomon Ntsele Linda, the original singer and songwriter of the movie’s classic song, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Linda was never compensated for his music nor acknowledged until recently, when the Netflix documentary “ReMastered: The Lion’s Share” investigated the history and the debt owed for Linda’s work. For the song "Circle of Life". Please help this article by looking for better, more reliable sources. For all your real estate management, leasing and consulting needs, please contact us for a consultation today! You have forgotten who you are and so forgotten me. On sale date to be announced. He appeared in an episode of Top Boy in 2011, while other film credits include Anuvahood (2011) and Jack the Giant Slayer (2013). The first ever international tour of THE LION KING is currently playing the AsiaWorld–Expo Arena in Hong Kong. Since opening in 2001, THE LION KING has reigned as Germany’s most successful musical. He played the role of Lionel Tsibi, the uncle of regular character Lula Tsibi (Marlene Madenge). John Kani on Rafiki in Disney's The Lion King 2019 Remake - Duration: 2:33. He then reprised the role for a 3rd time in the sequel to Adulthood, Brotherhood in 2016. He appeared as Didi Mputu in four episodes of Five Days (2010) and as Sid in three episodes of Inside Men (2012). You can withdraw your consent for these messages at any time. Why have these origins been overlooked? When Marvel’s “Black Panther” debuted, conversations circulated about Afro-futurism and what life might look like in the future for black people. His character is introduced as the estranged husband to established character Ava Hartman (Clare Perkins) and father to Dexter Hartman (Khali Best). CONTACT THE THEATER FOR INFORMATION Or call 303-893-4100 Tourman wanted the throne for himself. Critics praise, “The Lion King remains a dazzling, profound spectacle.”. Some may know of his great-nephew, Mansa Musa, who was the richest person to ever live in the history of the world. THE LION KING opened at London’s historic Lyceum Theatre in 1999. We currently manage over 6000 residential and commercial units in the greater Seattle area. According to Forbes, Musa’s fortune was estimated at $400 billion, adjusted for inflation. He also appeared as Glenstorm in the fantasy film The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian in 2008, and the same year he appeared playing the same character in a video game of the same name. We have not forgotten about Sundiata Keita. He has also appeared in other video games including EyeToy: Play and Fable. As the movie once again captures the public imagination, it is time to use it as a way to take seriously African history, a topic that is sorely missing from our educational curriculum. The production is now the longest-running in the country’s history and is truly a landmark in Spain’s capital. The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by 20 million theatregoers in over 80 cities. It was also corroborated by Tunisian historian Abu Zayd and Moroccan traveler Muhammad ibn Battuta, both of whom traveled to Mali about 100 years after Sundiata’s death to learn of the Lion King’s existence and reign. Yes! Perhaps. Though the king favored him, both Sogolon and Sundiata were mercilessly mocked for his disability. The Mandinka people were taken over by the cruel and oppressive King Soumaoro Kante of the Sosso. During his famous pilgrimage to Mecca, he built mosques in his wake and gave away so much gold that the price of gold was devalued for the next 25 years. Soundtrack Credits . By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, Kellie Carter Jackson is an assistant professor in the department of Africana studies at Wellesley College and author of ", Discussion of news topics with a point of view, including narratives by individuals regarding their own experiences, Force and Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence. Unreliable citations may be challenged or deleted. But the real story of Sundiata Keita should make us all want to cross our arms, beat our chests and declare with pride, “Lion King forever!”. Accordingly, Konaté married Sogolon Kédjou, “the buffalo woman,” as his second wife. International Film Music Critics Award (IFMCA) 2015 In need of their true leader, the people sent word for Sundiata to return and take his rightful place as the king. From the stars, Mufasa admonished his son: “Simba, you have forgotten me. He was determined to walk and, miraculously, he did. It is currently running in Tokyo at the Shiki Theatre Natsu and Fukuoka at the Canal City Theatre. He is also known for having originated the role of Mufasa in the West End production of the musical The Lion King. But to borrow from the late historian Stephanie Camp, black history doesn’t merely add to what we know; it also changes what we know and how we know it. [2], In 2018, John appeared as 'Arnold Guzman' in the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.[3]. When the king died, many suspected foul play. Circle of Life (1994) Music by Elton John (uncredited) Lyrics by Tim Rice (uncredited) Arranged and Produced by Hans Zimmer Performed by Carmen Twillie African Vocals Performed by Lebo M. Background Singer: Rodney Saulsberry (uncredited) From 2011 until 2012, he played the role of Wensley Dale, his first role as a voice actor, in the children's television show Rastamouse. Did Disney base its story on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, unaware of the epic of Sundiata that preceded the Shakespearean tale by nearly 250 years? For the Diamond Edition on Blu-Ray and DVD. THE LION KING - Denver, CO: Dec. 2, 2021 - Jan. 2, 2022. Worse yet, the number one most naive question asked of Africans is always “Have you seen lions?” The success of “The Lion King” shows that too many people are content to see Africa without Africans, and black culture without black people. One day, Sundiata had enough. Menu. 2:33. He is most renowned for his role as Trife's uncle, Curtis, in the films Kidulthood (2006), Adulthood (2008) and Brotherhood in addition to later starring in the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Sam James, during 2013.He is also known for having originated the role of Mufasa in … She gave birth to Sundiata, but he was born crippled and unable to walk. We can look at the past and present to imagine great African leaders. But while Musa’s story is better known, the story of Sundiata’s reign is largely invisible in the West, despite the efforts of griots, or African storytellers, who have passed down the tale for generations. I would like to receive updates, special offers, and other information from Disney Theatrical Group and The Walt Disney Family of Companies. He appeared in his third medical drama Casualty in 2010. Cornell Salmonn John is a British actor who has appeared in various film and television productions since 1999. Sundiata then became strong and recognized as a leader among his people, sparking resentment from paternal half brother Dankaran Tourman and his mother, Sassouma Bereté. Upon his victorious return, he adopted a new title for himself, “Mansa,” which means king or emperor in Mandinka. Cornell & Associates has provided professional property management services since 1972. In exile, Sundiata built alliances with the king of Mema and other local rulers. Cornell Salmonn John is a British actor who has appeared in various film and television productions since 1999. It’s about a kingdom in West Africa that eventually became the biggest and richest empire in history, as Sundiata’s reign witnessed dominance in agriculture, gold and trade, and introduced cotton and weaving. Since opening on Broadway in November 1997, THE LION KING has become the most successful musical in history. The Lion King Awards and Nominations. The story of Sundiata Keita is behind “The Lion King.” Known as the Lion of Mali, Sundiata was the founder of the Malian Empire, the largest kingdom in West Africa. Irene began her association with Disney in March 1992, when she wrote Recycle Rex, the 1994 Environmental Media Award-winning animated short.Irene shares a screenplay credit on Disney’s animated features The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hercules.Along with co-author Roger Allers, she received a 1998 Tony® nomination for writing the book for The Lion King. Ironically, we would all do well to learn the invaluable lesson Mufasa was trying to teach Simba. However, we don’t always have to look to the future. The hit Broadway musical first opened in Paris in 2007 and was experienced by over 1.5 million people. He was cast in the role by executive producer Lorraine Newman, and made his first appearance on the show on 14 May 2013. We Live Entertainment 1,636 views. Situated on Madrid’s iconic Gran Via, the Lope de Vega Theatre has been home to the first Spanish-language production of THE LION KING since 2011. The familiarity of these rulers has mainly served to circulate the centrality and even supremacy of white European leaders. Situated in the legendary Covent Garden area, the Lyceum is one of the West End’s largest and most beautiful theatres. The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. For more information on our data collection and use practices, and managing your preferences, please read our. Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, "Everything we know about Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald so far", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cornell_John&oldid=954090370, BLP articles lacking sources from July 2013, Articles lacking reliable references from July 2013, Articles with multiple maintenance issues, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 30 April 2020, at 16:45.