Owen Dean unpacks the legal battle with Disney behind "The Lion Sleeps Tonight”

Updated Aug. 4, 2025, 7:21 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Discover how Owen Dean fought for Solomon Linda’s legacy in a case that shook the global music industry.

Famed copyright attorney Owen Dean joined East Coast Breakfast’s Darren Maule to shed light on the monumental legal journey of Solomon Linda's song, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

This is the profound story of misappropriation, legal perseverance, and cultural justice as recounted by Dean, who played a pivotal role in restoring Linda's legacy.

The saga began in the 1930s with Solomon Linda, a South African musician who composed the melody known as "Mbube." The song eventually found its way to American audiences, reinvented as "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

Despite its global success, Linda’s family saw none of the financial rewards due to the rights being transferred to American companies.

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Breakfast with Comrades champion, Gerda Steyn

Owen Dean, author of "Echoes of Injustice," recounted his surprising involvement in the case. Dean was initially approached to bring legal action on behalf of Linda's descendants.

He soon discovered a little-known legal provision that empowered the family’s claim, despite an uneasy walk away from original sponsors Gallo Records.

Dean shared, "We believed in the social righteousness of our cause," underscoring the personal and professional commitment of the legal team to proceed against formidable odds, eventually leading to a settlement with Disney.

The case not only delivered financial restitution but also mandated public acknowledgement of Linda as a co-composer, thereby immortalizing his cultural contribution.

The landmark case served as a reminder that copyright protection is an inherent right for creators. Owen emphasized, "Copyright is available to everybody... it is a legal remedy available freely to the entire population."

The litigation also catalysed a broader legal discourse, inspiring other artists’ families, such as that of Bob Marley, to consider similar actions.

Importantly, Solomon Linda posthumously received a South African cultural achievement medal, a poignant recognition of his enduring influence.

Listen to the full conversation below:

ALSO READ: The best school tuck shop in KZN is…

This conversation showcased not just a legal triumph, but a narrative filled with perseverance and justice.

Dean concluded that such a case emphasizes enduring legal principles, resonating beyond South African borders to all nations influenced by British imperial copyright laws.

The interview and book offer invaluable insights into the complex intersections between music, law, and cultural identity.

As Dean expressed, the story of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" stands as a testament to what can be achieved when determined individuals pursue justice against formidable odds.