In one scene with Timon and Pumbaa they both sing `` The Lion Sleeps Tonight '' . This has caused disputes between Disney and the family of South African Solomon Linda , who composed the song ( originally titled `` Mbube '' ) in 1939 . The use of the song `` The Lion Sleeps Tonight '' in a scene with Timon and Pumbaa has led to disputes between Disney and the family of South African Solomon Linda , who composed the song ( originally titled `` Mbube '' ) in 1939 .