<P> `` The Lion Sleeps Tonight '' , also known as `` In The Jungle '' , or any of `` Wimoweh '' , `` Wimba Way '' or `` Awimbawe '' , is a song written and recorded originally by Solomon Linda with the Evening Birds for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939 , under the title `` Mbube '' . Composed in Zulu , it was adapted and covered internationally by many 1950 's and 60 's pop and folk revival artists , including the Weavers , Jimmy Dorsey , Yma Sumac , Miriam Makeba and the Kingston Trio . In 1961 , it became a number one hit in the United States as adapted in English with the best - known version by the doo - wop group the Tokens . It went on to earn at least US $15 million in royalties from cover versions and film licensing . </P>
<P> `` The Lion Sleeps Tonight '' , also known as `` In The Jungle '' , or any of `` Wimoweh '' , `` Wimba Way '' or `` Awimbawe '' , is a song written and recorded originally by Solomon Linda with the Evening Birds for the South African Gallo Record Company in 1939 , under the title `` Mbube '' . Composed in Zulu , it was adapted and covered internationally by many 1950 's and 60 's pop and folk revival artists , including the Weavers , Jimmy Dorsey , Yma Sumac , Miriam Makeba and the Kingston Trio . In 1961 , it became a number one hit in the United States as adapted in English with the best - known version by the doo - wop group the Tokens . It went on to earn at least US $15 million in royalties from cover versions and film licensing . </P>
who sings the song the lion sleeps tonight
who sings the song the lion sleeps tonight
Solomon Linda with the Evening Birds
Solomon Linda with the Evening Birds