Lion King Soundtrack: The Villain’s Anthem Unleashed

Performed by Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somulo, Aaron Pierre, and Kelvin Harrison, Jr.

BARRY JENKINS: “I Always Wanted a Brother” was the first song we created. This track is pivotal as it illustrates the profound connection between Taka and Mufasa. They develop a deep bond and share their perspectives on the world. It’s a delicate balance to achieve, and I was eager to see Lin navigate this complex theme.

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA: This song has a significant role to play; it must establish the relationship between the brothers at a young age [Rankins and Somolu voice Young Mufasa and Young Taka, respectively]. I suggested to Barry, “Let me time jump them,” allowing us to meet the lions who will accompany us throughout the film.

Watch the captivating performance below:

Performed by Anika Noni Rose and Keith David

ANIKA NONI ROSE (the voice of Mufasa’s mother Afia): When I approach singing a song, my first focus is on the lyrics so I can deeply understand and convey the emotions behind what I am expressing. I later concentrate on the sound itself. There’s a poignant line about our ancestors living within us, which I find incredibly beautiful and thought-provoking. We experience loss continually in life, but those we lose are never truly gone. Although they may depart from the physical realm, they remain within us, guiding us forward as we continue our journey.

Performed by Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Preston Nyman, and Kagiso Lediga

KELVIN HARRISON JR. (Taka): I am a huge fan of “Hamilton,” “Encanto,” and “In the Heights.” It’s surreal to be part of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creative legacy. His unique sound resonates deeply. When I received the tracks, I recognized them immediately as his work, even before being told. I was excited to collaborate with him and hope to meet his expectations.

AARON PIERRE (Mufasa): We share a common experience of feeling intense nervousness as we embarked on this journey, particularly regarding the singing aspect. Working with Lin-Manuel Miranda heightened that anxiety, given his remarkable talent. However, he provided invaluable guidance to help us deliver the beautiful music he had composed.

It’s amusing how both Barry and Lin have signature reactions when you hit the right note. Barry will ask, “Got it? Got it? Good,” which signals he’s satisfied. When Lin is pleased, he makes an airhorn sound. If you hear that sound, you know you’ve done well!

TIFFANY BOONE (Sarabi): I also felt a wave of anxiety. I had a slight fear of singing in front of an audience, or at least I used to. When I was informed that I would need to sing after auditioning for a few months, I nearly backed out, questioning why I would embarrass myself. However, everyone reassured me, “Just perform the song, and you will be fine.” And here we are.

Ultimately, it became one of the highlights of my experience. It liberated me from the pressures I had initially felt. Having my debut moment in the singing world coincide with songs written by Lin is simply surreal. At the end of the day, it’s an incredible blessing that I almost shied away from.

Performed by Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone

MIRANDA: I grew up in an era defined by the enchanting Disney ballad. A film was incomplete without the emotional weight brought by artists like Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion during the closing credits. “A Whole New World” stands as another timeless classic. Thus, when I got the opportunity to explore this theme, I eagerly embraced it.

The essence of the song is beautifully profound, as it captures a moment where she encourages him to recognize his own worth, helping him to see — in a manner reminiscent of “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” — the king that she perceives within him. This exploration was thrilling, and both Aaron and Tiffany brought their incredible vocal talents to the table.