“The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” also known as “Wimoweh” and “Mbube,” is an iconic song that has transcended generations, forever associated with the American doo-wop group, The Tokens. Formed in Brooklyn, New York, in the late 1950s, The Tokens were initially known as The Linc-Tones, featuring Neil Sedaka before he embarked on his successful solo career. The defining lineup consisted of Jay Siegel, Mitch Margo, Phil Margo, and Hank Medress.
The song’s infectious “wimoweh” chant, derived from the Zulu phrase “uyimbube,” meaning “he is a lion,” originates from a 1939 South African recording titled “Mbube” by Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds. The Tokens’ version, released in 1961, was an adaptation of Pete Seeger’s folk interpretation, adding English lyrics and a lush, orchestral arrangement. The song’s meaning changes with each iteration, in Linda’s original the lion represents a powerful Zulu King, with Seeger, the focus is more on the jungle and nature imagery. The Tokens version, however, focuses on assurance, the lyrics stating that the mighty jungle is safe, because the lion sleeps tonight.
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” became a massive global hit for The Tokens, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for three weeks. It also achieved significant success internationally, topping charts in several countries. Beyond chart performance, the song garnered renewed popularity through its inclusion in Disney’s *The Lion King* in 1994, introducing it to a whole new generation.
The song has received both overwhelming praise and some controversy. The audience generally responded with great enthusiasm, the catchy melody being hard to forget. However, criticism emerged regarding the song’s origins and the minimal royalties initially paid to Solomon Linda’s estate. Despite the controversy, the undeniable impact of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” remains, and it endures as a classic example of pop music’s ability to transform and re-popularize traditional music.