Originally performed in 1961 by The Tokens, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” is one of those classic songs that literally everybody knows. Since its release, it has become a pop culture staple, being recreated by the likes of R.E.M, Billy Joel, and even the Muppets.
In 2010, however, one catchy rendition by a group called Straight No Chaser succeeded in taking the internet by storm.
The group, an acapella band whose members met during their time in university, consists of 9 men who not only have incredible voices— but style and humor to boot!
If the word acapella makes you envision stuffy opera singers or university choirs, however, think again! Straight No Chaser‘s website reads:
Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. As original member Randy Stine comments, ‘We take the music very seriously; we just don’t take ourselves too seriously’.”
On May 29th, 2010, an attendee of a Santa Fe concert uploaded footage of Straight No Chaser’s “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” to YouTube, and the internet immediately fell in love with the personality-filled young men!
The video, which has been viewed over 4 million times, begins with the men introducing the song. “We actually choreographed this number ourselves— and it’s going to be blatantly obvious in about a minute,” a member jokes.
The music begins at about the 20-second mark, with the deep-voiced members at the end of the lineup beginning the song’s iconic ‘Wimoweh’.
Soon, a handsome blonde member unleashes the lyrics in an incredibly high pitch, singing the words we all love and adore:
“In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight…”
After the verse finishes, the rhythm of the song speeds up, with the men showing the audience a snatch of their finely tuned choreography, side-stepping and snapping their fingers in tune to the music.
Soon, every second man starts dipping, creating an adorable, bouncy lineup.
The audience can’t help but laugh as a shorter member on the left leaps, trying to beat the height of the men beside him in order to maintain the effect.
At the 2-minute mark, the song transforms into something else entirely, but I’m not about to spoil the surprise. Watch and see for yourself!
Hint: it includes a few ‘Shahlahlahlala’s!
After the band’s surprise, the group goes back to the original song, with the handsome blonde man singing them out.
Check out the charming performance for yourself below!
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