Roger Allers, the visionary co-director of Disney’s The Lion King—the film that introduced the world to the Kenyan phrase "Hakuna Matata"—has died aged 76.

For a generation of Kenyans, Allers’ work is more than just a cartoon; it is a cultural touchstone. Released in 1994, The Lion King was arguably the first global blockbuster to celebrate the landscapes and languages of East Africa, borrowing heavily from the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Swahili lexicon. Allers, alongside Rob Minkoff, crafted a masterpiece that remains the highest-grossing traditionally animated film of all time.

A Kenyan Legacy

While the film was produced in Hollywood, its soul is unmistakably African. The production team, led by Allers, visited Kenya in 1991 to study the movement of animals and the light of the Savannah. The result was "Pride Rock"—a setting inspired by Hell’s Gate National Park. The phrase "Hakuna Matata," picked up from a Kenyan tour guide, became a global anthem of resilience.

"Roger was a giant," said Disney CEO Bob Iger. "His storytelling transcended borders." Indeed, the story of Simba—the exiled prince returning to claim his birthright—resonates deeply with African political narratives of struggle and redemption.

• The Impact: The film sparked a tourism boom for Kenya in the 90s that continues to this day. Every tourist who lands at JKIA wants to see "Simba" and "Pumbaa."
• The Tribute: Tributes are pouring in from animators and fans worldwide. In Kenya, content creators are sharing clips of the Swahili-dubbed version of the movie, a nostalgic reminder of Allers’ gift to the world.

Roger Allers may have lived in California, but his artistic spirit roams the plains of the Serengeti. He taught the world that in the Circle of Life, even the smallest creature has a role to play. Lala salama, Roger.