LISTEN: Dr John Kani and Kagiso Lediga tell the story of Rafiki in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’

Anele and The Club catch up with Dr John Kani and Kagiso Lediga.

Kani reprises his role as Rafiki while Lediga voices a younger Rafiki in the film ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’.

The pair star alongside the likes of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Aaron Pierre, and Blue Ivy Carter. 

Kani says it felt special returning to The Lion King universe and finally being able to tell Rafiki’s story.

“It’s incredible, I’ve been blessed…”

– Dr John Kani

While everyone records from their own booths across the world, there was said to be a sense of familiarity and family.

Voice acting always reminds Kani of the old radio drama stories that were on air before television.  

“When I was working with Kiara, I could see who I was talking to. When I talk to Timon and Pumbaa, I can see who these dudes are… it's [also] imagination, you can have a conversation with Shaka and I’ve never met Shaka… I can imagine who he is.”

– Dr John Kani

ALSO READ:

• LISTEN: Family fun and mischief in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’. Anele Mdoda chats with Director Barry Jenkins
• 'It's a huge honour!: SA's Kagiso Lediga reflects on his role as young Rafiki in 'Mufasa: The Lion King'

Lediga is honoured to work on the project, one of the biggest in his career. 

“I do play with my voice a lot, this was like my area. The only thing was the intimidation… Once I conquered that in my head, I just had fun.”

– Kagiso Lediga

‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ opens in theatres on 20 December.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion