When the first trailers for Mufasa: The Lion King started circulating, a weirdly specific name started popping up in search bars everywhere: Masego. If you're a fan of smooth, "traphousejazz" or the viral hit "Tadow," you probably did a double-take. Was the multi-instrumentalist genius behind the gold saxophone joining the Disney pride? It’s a valid question. The Lion King franchise has a history of pulling in massive musical titans—from Elton John to Beyoncé—so Masego being involved wouldn't have been a stretch.
But the reality is actually a bit more literal and, honestly, a little confusing if you aren't looking at the cast list.
Masego in Mufasa: The Lion King Explained
Here is the thing. The keyword mufasa the lion king masego doesn't actually refer to the Jamaican-American musician with the saxophone. It refers to a character in the movie. Specifically, Masego is the name of Mufasa’s biological father.
For decades, we didn't know much about where Mufasa actually came from. We just knew him as the regal, booming voice of James Earl Jones. In the 2024 prequel directed by Barry Jenkins, we finally get the backstory. Mufasa wasn't born into royalty. He was an "orphaned cub, lost and alone" until he met Taka (the lion who would become Scar).
Masego is the lion who sired him. In the film, Masego is voiced by the legendary Keith David. You know his voice—it's deep, gravelly, and commanded the screen in everything from The Princess and the Frog to Nope.
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Why the mix-up happened
It’s a perfect storm for Google confusion. You have a very famous contemporary artist named Masego, and a brand-new, high-profile Disney character named Masego. If you were hoping for a soulful sax solo in the middle of the Pride Lands, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. But if you wanted to see the lineage of the greatest king in Disney history, that's exactly what you get.
The Music of Mufasa’s Parents
Even though the artist Masego isn't on the tracklist, the music for the character Masego and his partner Afia (voiced by Anika Noni Rose) is a massive part of the film's emotional core.
The standout track here is "Milele." It's a Swahili word meaning "forever." The song is a lullaby and a promise. It introduces the concept of a promised land, a place where the family belongs before tragedy strikes. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the songs for the film, has talked about how much "Milele" was workshopped. He wanted it to feel like a spiritual. It’s supposed to ground Mufasa’s origins in something more than just "being a lion."
The song has these gorgeous, soaring vocals from Keith David and Anika Noni Rose. It feels ancient. It feels heavy. Honestly, it’s one of the few moments in the movie where the photorealistic CGI actually manages to feel "soulful" instead of just looking like a high-end nature documentary.
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Who is Masego (The Lion)?
In the movie's lore, Masego and Afia are separated from Mufasa during a massive flood. It's the inciting incident for the whole story. Masego isn't a king. He's a father trying to get his family to safety. This recontextualizes everything we thought we knew about Mufasa. He wasn't "born" to lead; he was a survivor who found his way into a royal family.
Did the Artist Masego Influence the Film?
While the musician Masego didn't perform on the soundtrack, the "vibes" of the movie's music definitely lean into the Afrobeat and contemporary R&B world that he inhabits.
The soundtrack, produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Lebo M, features tracks like "I Always Wanted a Brother" and "We Go Together." These songs move away from the Broadway-style "I Want" songs of the 90s and lean more into rhythmic, percussive arrangements. Some fans have even pointed out that the modern production on the prequel's soundtrack feels much closer to the "Gift" album curated by Beyoncé for the 2019 remake than the original 1994 score.
If you’re looking for a connection, it’s in the cultural movement. The film is a celebration of African sounds, much like the artist Masego’s own work, which he calls "Afro-Caribbean."
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Lore
Since the movie came out, there’s been a lot of debate about Mufasa’s bloodline. Here is the breakdown:
- Mufasa is not the heir: Taka (Scar) was the actual prince. His parents, Obasi and Eshe, took Mufasa in.
- The Name Masego: In Setswana, the name "Masego" actually means "blessings." It’s a very intentional name choice for a character who represents the "blessing" of Mufasa's life before the hardship began.
- The Tragedy: Unlike the 1994 film where we only see Mufasa die, this film shows us the loss of Mufasa's original parents, Masego and Afia. It’s pretty dark for a Disney movie, but it explains why Mufasa was so obsessed with legacy and "the great kings of the past."
How to Listen to the Soundtrack Properly
If you're looking for the music associated with the character Masego, you want to look for the Mufasa: The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
- Track 2: "Milele" – This is the one. If you're a fan of vocal harmonies, this is the peak of the album.
- Track 1: "Ngomso" – This is Lebo M’s big contribution. It doesn't feature Masego the character, but it sets the tone for the world he lived in.
Wait. Before you go searching for a secret Masego (the artist) remix—it doesn't exist yet. But given how much the "Tadow" singer loves to flip sounds, wouldn't it be incredible if he did a live-looping version of "Milele"? One can dream.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you've been searching for mufasa the lion king masego because you're a fan of the singer, you should check out his latest 2025 singles like "I Win" or "Spin The Block." They capture that same regal, confident energy that the movie tries to portray.
If you’re a Disney lore nerd, your next step is to watch the movie specifically for the "Milele" sequence. Pay attention to the lyrics. They reference the "ancestors inside," which is a direct callback to the "He Lives in You" theme from the original Broadway show and The Lion King II: Simba's Pride.
Whatever brought you here—the jazz or the lions—it’s clear that the name Masego is currently having a huge moment in pop culture. Just make sure you know which one you’re talking about before you start a debate at the dinner table.