Ep 8. Lion's Share

ReMastered is a music documentary series produced by Netflix that explores some of the most compelling stories in music history. In season one episode eight, titled "Lion's Share," the show takes a deep dive into the fascinating tale of a hit song that became a legal battle spanning decades.

The episode centers on the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," a beloved tune that has been covered by countless artists and featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. The song's origins trace back to South Africa, where it was originally composed and recorded as "Mbube" by the musician Solomon Linda in the 1930s. The song's distinctive melody and catchy tune caught the attention of the world, and it soon became a hit.

However, despite its success, Linda and his family received minimal compensation for their work, and the rights to the song became tangled in legal disputes. "Lion's Share" explores the complex history of the song, from its origins in South Africa to its use in Hollywood films, including "The Lion King."

The episode features interviews with a range of experts and musicians, including South African musician Mpho Moloi and veteran music journalist Rian Malan. Through their insights, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the impact of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and the long-running legal battles over the song's ownership.

One of the central figures in the story is George David Weiss, an American songwriter who is credited with writing the English-language lyrics to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Weiss died in 2010, but his heirs have continued to receive royalties for the song, despite ongoing debates over the true origins of the melody.

"Lion's Share" also shines a light on the complicated legacies of colonialism and cultural appropriation, as well as the challenges faced by musicians in protecting their intellectual property. As such, the episode provides a fascinating account of the tangled legal and cultural history of a beloved song, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and respecting the origins of music and art.

Overall, "Lion's Share" is a captivating episode of ReMastered that will appeal to anyone with an interest in music history, copyright law, and cultural identity. The episode weaves together insightful interviews, archival footage, and modern-day commentary to provide a nuanced and thought-provoking account of one of music's most enduring and contentious songs.