Watch ReMastered: The Lion's Share

ReMastered: The Lion's Share is a 2018 documentary film that explores the life and legacy of Solomon Linda, the South African artist who wrote the song "Mbube," which was later adapted into the popular tune "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." The film is directed by Sam Cullman and produced by Netflix Originals. The documentary tells the story of how Solomon Linda, a Zulu migrant worker, came up with the melody and lyrics for "Mbube" in the early 1930s. The song quickly became popular among the Zulu people, and was eventually heard by a white South African music producer named Eric Gallo. Gallo, realizing the song's potential, bought the rights to "Mbube" from Linda for a mere £10 and proceeded to record the song with his group The Evening Birds. The song was a hit, and soon it was covered by artists around the world, including The Tokens, who put their own spin on the song and re-named it "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

The film explores how the song became a global phenomenon, and how Linda, despite being the original composer, received little to no royalties or recognition for his work. The documentary also looks at the legal battles that followed, as Linda's family and heirs tried to regain control of their father's song and receive the compensation they felt they deserved.

The film features interviews with a range of people, including music historians, Linda's family members, and Rian Malan, the South African journalist who helped bring attention to Linda's story. Through storytelling and archival footage, ReMastered: The Lion's Share offers an inside look at the complex issues surrounding intellectual property and creative ownership, and how these issues have impacted artists and their families.

At its core, the movie is a testament to the power of art and the importance of recognizing the contributions of all artists, regardless of their race or background. It highlights the struggles of a man who created a beloved song that touched the hearts of millions, yet was never fully recognized for his contribution. It also raises questions about the nature of artistic ownership and how the exploitation of marginalized artists has long been a problem in the music industry.

Overall, ReMastered: The Lion's Share is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on one of the most famous songs of the past century, while also exploring important issues related to creativity and artistic ownership. It is a must-watch for music lovers and anyone interested in the complex issues surrounding intellectual property rights.