“The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” instantly recognizable by its soaring falsetto “Wimoweh” chant, is a global phenomenon crafted by the American doo-wop group, The Tokens. Originally formed in Brooklyn, New York, in the late 1950s, The Tokens initially included members Neil Sedaka, Hank Medress, Eddie Rabkin, and Cynthia Zolotin, though the lineup that recorded the hit consisted of Jay Siegel, Mitch Margo, Phil Margo, and Hank Medress.
The song itself boasts a fascinating history. It’s an adaptation of “Mbube,” a 1939 Zulu song written and recorded by Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds. The Tokens, along with lyricists Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss, reworked the melody and added English lyrics, creating the iconic “Wimoweh” from Linda’s original “uyimbube” (meaning “you are a lion”). This seemingly simple addition transformed the song, giving it a catchy and globally appealing hook.
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” achieved massive commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1961 and remaining there for three weeks. It also enjoyed international acclaim, charting highly in numerous countries. It brought Doo-wop music to the attention of the world.
The song’s meaning, while seemingly straightforward about a lion sleeping in the jungle, is layered with interpretations. Some view it as a simple lullaby, while others see it as a metaphorical representation of Africa or a comment on colonial power dynamics, given its roots in a Zulu song.
The audience feedback has been consistently positive for decades. The song’s infectious melody and memorable chant have made it a timeless classic, beloved by generations. It is often present in film and television.