Mufasa: The Lion King’s soundtrack is inevitably already being compared to the soundtrack from the1994Lion King. The original movie’s score was composed by Hans Zimmer, with songs written by Elton John and Tim Rice.The overwhelmingly positive reception toThe Lion Kingwas largely rooted in its beloved music, including the songs “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” andTimon and Pumbaa’s “Hakuna Matata.”
Acting as both a prequel and sequel to the 2019The Lion King,Mufasa’s soundtrack features new songs, some of which were written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, along with South African composer Lebo M. The score is composed by Dave Metzger and Nicholas Britell, the latter of whom wrote the music for the critically acclaimedStar WarsseriesAndor.Mufasamany musicalcallbacks toThe Lion King, but also forges its own musical identity, creating distinct similarities and differences from its predecessor.
How Mufasa’s Soundtrack Is Different From The Lion King’s
It Has A Different Musical Style
Mufasa: The Lion King’s musical style ismore reminiscent of Miranda’s music inHamilton,Moana, andEncantothan it is of the music from the 1994Lion King. The soundtrack is made to appeal to modern trends and to align with what is currently popular in music, Much of this is consistent with the musical styles of the critical and commercial hits that Miranda has been involved in on Broadway and in cinema. Miranda’s musical influence is easy to detect inMufasa.
Mufasa Ending Explained: What Happened Before & After The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King serves as a prequel-sequel to 2019’s The Lion King. With a new backstory for Mufasa and Scar, we break down the film’s ending.
Mufasa: The Lion King’s soundtrack has more of a hip-hop sound to it, particularly during its seven new songs, all while conveying the same grand scope as the soundtrack from the original movie. Lebo M’s involvement inMufasa: The Lion Kingis a significant part of that, as he has been involved in the franchise since the original movie, with his vocal performance being used during the 1994 movie’s opening “Circle of Life” song.Mufasa: The Lion King’s opening song, “Ngomso,” is written and performed by Lebo M.
The Lion King’s Soundtrack Is Better Than Mufasa’s – It’s Iconic
It Is In A League Of Its Own
In terms of which soundtrack is better, the 1994Lion Kingis the clear winner. Its songs are truly iconic, with the first music notes of “Circle of Life” being immediately recognizable and associated withThe Lion King. The original movie’s soundtrack is not only recognizable, but contains a great deal ofemotion and nostalgia behind it that is impossible to fully recreate inMufasa: The Lion King. The 1994 soundtrack has been listened to and adored for three decades now.
“Be Prepared” is the ultimate, mustache-twirling villain song, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” is a beautiful love song, along with a moment of bravery in which the protagonist begins to confront his past.
“Circle of Life” is a perfect example of how to immediately set the tone and grab the audience’s attention. “Hakuna Matata” is a song that encapsulates pure joy. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” is a song filled with childhood optimism and innocence. “Be Prepared” is the ultimate, mustache-twirling villain song, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” is a beautiful love song, along with a moment of bravery in which the protagonist begins to confront his past. It is impossible to top these emotional and musical heights.
Mufasa’s Soundtrack Is Still Good Even If It Can’t Beat The Lion King
Each New Song Has Its Merits
While it is unable to live up to the heights ofThe Lion King,Mufasastill has a good soundtrack.Hamilton,Moana,Encanto, and othermusical projects Miranda has been involved in have succeeded for good reason, making him a compelling addition to the rich musical legacy ofThe Lion Kingfranchise. The new songs help flesh outMufasa and Scar’s relationship, the latter of whom is originally known as Taka, from the joy they shared growing up together, to the distrust that formed between them in later years.
Anika Noni Rose and Keith David
Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Aaron Pierre, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.
Mads Mikkelsen, Joanna Jones, and Folake Olowofoyeku
“We Go Together”
Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Tiffany Boone, Preston Nyman, and Kagiso Lediga
Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone
“Brother Betrayed”
Kelvin Harrison Jr.
“I Always Wanted a Brother” does the most to explore the early parts of the Mufasa and Taka relationship. Theland of Milele, which will become the Pride Lands, is tantalizingly teased in the “Milele” song, while the villainous Kiros gets the spotlight in “Bye Bye.” The tragic falling out between Taka and Mufasa, proving that their relationship will never be the same again, is cemented in “Brother Betrayed,” after Taka sees Mufasa and Sarabi growing closer.
How Mufasa’s Best Songs Compare To The Lion King’s Best Songs
The Lion King’s Songs Are Superior
Ultimately,none ofMufasa’s best songs are able to live up toThe Lion King’s best songs. “Ngomso” serves as an intriguing musical hook, but inevitably fails to be as memorable or engrossing as “Circle of Life.” With Kiros feeling like a more generic villain than the conniving Scar, “Bye Bye” is not as effective of a villain song as “Be Prepared” proved to be. “Be Prepared” is also better because of the hyenas' comedic interjections into Scar’s grand declarations, an element that is unable to be replicated byMufasa’s white lions.
Kiros is voiced by Mads Mikkelsen.
“Tell Me It’s You” isMufasa’s love song, but it does not work as well as “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” This is largely becauseThe Lion Kingtook time to show Simba and Nala being close friends from a young age, making it more believable to see them fall in love when suddenly being reunited years later. Little time is spent showing Mufasa and Sarabi’s bond before he admits that he has been hiding his feelings for her. It feels like a plot contrivance, especially with Mufasa trying to help Taka win Sarabi’s affections during their travels.
How Scar Got His Scar In The Lion King & What It Means
Scar is an iconic Disney villain who now has a new origin story that reveals how he got his scar and his name in Mufasa: The Lion King.
“I Always Wanted A Brother” and “Brother Betrayed” are the movie’s best songsas they feel more unique to this story and tie directly into the heart of Mufasa and Scar’s complex relationship. “I Always Wanted A Brother” is arguably the catchiest song, but the emotional pathos of “Brother Betrayed” also makes it memorable, and an undeniable turning point in Mufasa and Scar’s dynamic. However, neither of these songs fromMufasa: The Lion Kingare as compelling as any of the songs from the originalLion King.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Cast
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
