Sowetan is reporting that Lebo M is composing and producing five original songs for the upcoming historical drama The Woman King. The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard, Love & Basketball) and stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch and John Boyega. The movie is set in the Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries, and tells the story of Nanisca, the general of the all-female military unit, and Nawi, an ambitious recruit, who together fought enemies who violated their honor, enslaved their people and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for. Prince-Bythewood also co-wrote the screenplay with Dana Stevens (City of Angels, Fatherhood). Davis is also producing the TriStar Pictures production with Cathy Schulman (Crash, The Illusionist), Julius Tennon and actress Maria Bello. Lebo M is best known for arranging and performing on the songs and score of Disney’s The Lion King and has also been involved in several other film projects, including Congo (scored by Jerry Goldsmith), and The Power of One & Tears of the Sun (scored by Hans Zimmer). The Woman King is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 16, 2022 by Sony Pictures.
