At The Lion King: Live in Concert at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, the audience was treated to one of the most cheerful and heartwarming performances of the night — “Hakuna Matata.” The stage came alive with color, laughter, and nostalgia as the beloved Disney song reminded everyone why it’s one of the happiest tunes ever written.
The performance featured the original voices from the 1994 film — Nathan Lane (Timon) and Ernie Sabella (Pumbaa) — joined by Donald Glover (Simba) and Billy Eichner (Timon from the 2019 version). Together, they created a fun blend of old and new, celebrating the song’s lasting magic.
As the orchestra began playing those familiar, bouncy notes, the crowd erupted in excitement. The stage glowed with warm, golden lights and jungle-themed visuals projected across giant screens. The musicians, dressed in bright African-inspired costumes, filled the air with rhythm and energy.
Lane and Sabella stepped forward, instantly slipping back into their iconic roles. Their comic timing was perfect — the way they bantered, danced, and made the audience laugh felt just like watching the animated movie come to life. When Donald Glover joined in for Simba’s part, his smooth voice added a fresh touch, blending beautifully with the lively performance.
At one point, the giant screens showed clips from the original Lion King movie, and fans young and old sang along to every word — “Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase!” The joy in the Bowl was contagious.
By the end of the song, the entire crowd was on its feet, clapping and singing along as the cast took a bow. The orchestra closed with a triumphant flourish, and the lights shimmered like a sunset over the savanna.
The Hakuna Matata performance at The Hollywood Bowl wasn’t just a musical number — it was a celebration of friendship, laughter, and the timeless spirit of The Lion King.