Hakuna Matata by Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa from The Lion King: 1994. All Vocals Performed by Sam John
0All rights belong to Disney, Walt Disney Animation, and Universal Music Group.
If you would've told me 7 months ago that I would have an Instagram Acting channel with 172 followers and 60 posts, I wouldn't have believed you but that's where we are today. This channel is a manifestation of passion and gratitude. A huge thank you to every single one of you for your invaluable support. This page constantly reminds me of why I love what I do. On this day, marking the 6-month celebration, I am blessed, I am grateful and I am so happy to keep putting out these projects. I find no better phrase that encapsulates this journey so far than the iconic phrase from the Uncharted Series: Sic Parvis Magna which translates to Greatness from Small Beginnings. Thank you all again and I can assure you, we are just getting started.
This video was one that I have wanted to do for the longest time but I knew I wanted to put it out only when I was more confident in my abilities and could do justice to the stunning original performances of Matthew Broderick and Donald Glover as Simba, Nathan Lane, and Billy Eichner as Timon, and Ernie Sabella and Seth Rogen as Pumbaa. This song holds such a dear place in my heart. I remember hearing it growing up and in some amazing way that only film can, it touched my heart and soothed my anxieties. Over the years, dealing with my struggle with anxiety, I've come to realize that Hakuna Matata means no worries and that translates to my life as worrying about what matters and not about things that don't.
As I started the recording process, I knew how vastly different the voices were and I tried to decipher the best way to create that distinction while also having a strong correlation between the three characters' melodic tones. There was no way around it other than repeated trial and error. Take after take figuring out the best way to proceed challenged me but also added to this undeniable sense of achievement when I finally did get the perfect note to suit that moment of the narrative. Finding ways to open up my voice more to match the tonal strength of the original performers was so challenging but so incredibly satisfying when I eventually hit the right note. The moment that stands out as a highlight of this recording session was the grown-up Simba vocals where I channeled Donald Glover's performance. When I finally got it right, it was a moment of triumph and joy, reminding me of how blessed I am to do what I love.
The editing process of this video mainly depended on the recording. Due to the lack of a backing track in the grub section of the video, I knew I had to make alterations to the music so it doesn't sound empty or repetitive and in the end, I was able to put together the final track that met the standard of these incredible performances. There were moments of doubt and frustration but they were all blown away with the "It means no worries" that Simba hits towards the end of the song.
It is with great honor and pride that I present you all with my take on Hakuna Matata from The Lion King (1994)
Content: Disney and Walt Disney Animation
Music: Elton John and Tim Rice
Performance: Sam John