‘Lion Sleeps Tonight’ copyright suit is settled

A U.S. company has settled a long-running legal dispute with a South African family over the copyright to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” one of Africa’s most famous tunes, lawyers said Friday.

Lawyers acting for the family of Zulu migrant worker Solomon Linda, the song’s original composer, said Abilene Music, which administered its copyright in the United States, had agreed to settle the dispute for an undisclosed sum.

“The amount is confidential ... but it’s been described as an amount which is suitable for the family’s needs and includes both back payments for royalties as well as future payments,” lawyer Herman Blignaut said.

Linda’s family lives in poverty in the Johannesburg township of Soweto and was initially claiming $1.6 million in damages against the company.

“The family are obviously very happy that this matter has been settled and they have something to show for it ... a trust has been established to manage the funds and give them guidance, as it’s a significant sum,” Blignaut said.

The song has earned an estimated $15 million since it was written in 1939 and later recorded by at least 150 artists. It is also featured in the Walt Disney film “The Lion King” as well in the stage version.

The South African law firm of Spoor and Fisher originally brought the case against Walt Disney Co., as they had no jurisdiction against Abilene Music. Walt Disney Co. has repeatedly said it obtained the copyright for the song properly from Abilene.

Abilene Music confirmed it had agreed to pay compensation for administering the copyright.

Linda’s relatives were not available for comment.