Wimoweh… the lion sleeps at last
In 1939 a tall, shy Zulu migrant worker named Solomon Linda stepped up to the microphone and produced Mbube, a song that echoed around the world, becoming Pete Seeger’s Wimoweh and the international classic The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Linda was paid a total of 10 shillings for the song, while it went on to make US$15-million for others. The musician died in 1962 with less than R100 in his bank account. His widow couldn’t afford a headstone for his grave.
olivia
It gives me goosebumps…
Fuschia Faery
Lovely hearing the zulu singing, always takes me back! Interesting story to consider, glad it’s been addressed.
Cait
It’s only right that he be paid for his creation. Listening to the different versions was interesting. The one I liked best was Linda’s!
Jam
I am so delighted to see that this has finally happened!