David Bridges
SPOILER ALERT: This article delves into the intricate plot details of “Mufasa: The Lion King,” set to premiere in theaters on December 20.
Lin-Manuel Miranda demonstrates a profound understanding of crafting impactful Disney songs.
After receiving numerous Grammys and earning Oscar nominations for his memorable compositions for “Moana” and “Encanto,” including the iconic tracks “How Far I’ll Go” and the viral sensation “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” Miranda has collaborated with renowned composer Alan Menken to enrich the soundtrack for the 2023 live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.” Furthermore, he has penned six brand new songs for the much-anticipated “Lion King” prequel, “Mufasa,” directed by Barry Jenkins. With Miranda’s extensive expertise in the enchanting world of Disney, he is exceptionally well-equipped to carry on the illustrious musical tradition established by “The Lion King.” The original 1994 animated classic features unforgettable songs like “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
Miranda expressed his admiration for the original soundtrack, describing it as an exceptional collection of hit songs, saying, “That original album is like an all-bangers, no skips album,” during a recent appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” His respect for the timeless tracks written by Elton John and Tim Rice is evident.
The soundtrack for “Mufasa” opens with “Ngomso,” performed by the talented South African artist Lebo M, whose distinctive vocals are closely associated with the essence of “The Lion King.” This is followed by Miranda’s original songs, sung by the film’s voice cast, featuring Aaron Pierre as the young Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as his adopted brother Taka, who will eventually take on the identity of Scar.
Miranda has mentioned that his children, Sebastian and Francisco, serve as initial listeners for determining a song’s appeal. So, which tracks have captured their attention and become their favorites?
Without skipping a beat, Miranda reveals, “’I Always Wanted a Brother’” is a standout in our household. Additionally, “’Bye Bye’ has become another catchy tune we enjoy.”
“I Always Wanted a Brother” was one of the first compositions Miranda created for the film, inspired by a poignant dialogue from Jeff Nathanson’s script. In this moment, Taka, who is destined for royalty, rescues Mufasa after he becomes separated from his family due to a tragic incident.
“I knew immediately that it would be the title of the song,” Miranda recalls. The creative process flowed seamlessly from that point: “I didn’t have to look far beyond my own experiences at home—I have two boys aged six and ten who drive each other crazy, yet they also protect and stand up for one another. Writing about such a sibling relationship was incredibly natural for me.”
The latter track serves as the villain’s anthem, crafted for Kiros, a formidable lion voiced by Mads Mikkelsen. Initially, the script did not call for a solo performance, but Miranda recognized the unique opportunity to have an iconic Bond villain perform a dancehall-inspired number, which he found irresistible.
“I know it sounds like an odd combination, but I believe peanut butter and pickles are two great flavors that work well together,” Miranda shares as he recounts his successful pitch to Jenkins.
Continue reading as Miranda, Jenkins, and the talented “Mufasa” cast delve into the intricacies of the film’s enchanting soundtrack.
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Discover the Emotional Depth of “I Always Wanted a Brother”
Picture Credit: Disney Enterprises 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:
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Experience the Cultural Resonance of “Milele”
Picture Credit: DISNEY 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.
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Celebrate Unity with “We Go Together”
Picture Credit: ©Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection 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.
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Unveiling the Heart of “Tell Me It’s You”
Picture Credit: Disney Enterprises 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.
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Delve into the Dark Side with “Brother Betrayed”
<img loading=”lazy” width=”300″ height=”162″ src=”https://variety.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LKP-T2-00089436.jpg?w=300″ class=”attachment-medium size-medium” alt=”(L-R): Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) and Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.) in Disney’s live-action MUFASA: THE L
Maya Kensington
Troy Sanders
