'It's a huge honour!: SA's Kagiso Lediga reflects on his role as young Rafiki in 'Mufasa: The Lion King'
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ hits theatres on 20 December 2024.
Veteran comedian and filmmaker Kagiso Lediga in studio with Bongani Bingwa.
Bongani Bingwa interviews Kagiso Lediga, voice of young Rafiki in Mufasa: The Lion King.
Listen below.
It’s been three decades since The Lion King first roared onto our screens, leaving an unforgettable legacy in global culture with its captivating storytelling and iconic music.
Now, Disney invites us to venture deeper into the Pride Lands with Mufasa: The Lion King, a visually breathtaking and emotionally resonant prequel that unveils the untold origins of a beloved king.
Featuring an all-star cast, a rich African narrative, and legendary musical contributions, this film promises to be a heartfelt tribute to heritage and the timeless power of storytelling.
Amongst this cast is South Africa's very own Kagiso Lediga, who lends his voice to the young Rafiki.
"It's a huge honour. Sometimes you take it for granted and then it hits you 'Im the Rafiki, I play Rafiki!'"
- Kagiso Lediga, voice of young Rafiki in Mufasa: The Lion King (03:41)
Lediga says that he was thrilled to be a part of this project from the very beginning, but the real highlight was getting the chance to collaborate with Director Barry Jenkins, one of his all-time favourite filmmakers – an opportunity he simply couldn’t pass up.
In this iteration of the film, Lediga says that it delves deeply into the bond between Mufasa and his “main man, day one” Rafiki.
"I couldn't say no!"
- Kagiso Lediga, voice of young Rafiki in Mufasa: The Lion King
He adds that the most emotional experience for him has been hearing from men who’ve approached him after screenings, expressing how deeply they were moved and how much the film impacted them.
Without giving away too many spoilers, Lediga hints that the movie is filled with “a lot of heart,” and even goes as far as to describe it as “one of the biggest action films of the year.”
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ hits theatres on 20 December 2024.
Watch the trailer below.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.