The woman playing Rafiki has been playing her since 1999 and I’m so glad she’s back

The beginning of this song always feels like its calling me back home to a land ive never set foot on...

“They don’t know why but they cry”… I’ve watched this 4 times in person. I’ve cried every single time. And I really don’t know why. It’s so incredibly beautiful.

That director has seen this music be performed a thousand times but still gets moved as the first time, that's the true tell of a great song and a great cast, and of a dedicated director who really loves the material

I wanna work with a Director that is THAT emotionally invested!

There's just something unexplainable about this song.. tears every single time.

I love Africa and being African, the lead’s voice is authentically African, you can feel her struggle, her pride, her hope… as Africans we live on hope that tomorrow will be even better than today, and we are immensely proud of who we are…

I just started crying like a newborn from the moment that lovely lady opened her mouth and let her vocals make art. I’ll never forget the amazing, unforgettable experience I’d watching The Lion King on Broadway

If you don't get chocked hearing the opening of this amazing song then you have no soul.

I'm in my office crying. You can feel the power of the moment as most of these actors were laid off and didn't know if there were ever going to come back to work. This was a song of resilience and determination. I am so EXCITED Broadway is back!!!! We missed you!

Julie Taymor, the director, is 100% correct. The audience cries during this opening number. I've seen it three times, and each time bawled like a baby. It is the beauty and wonderment of being surrounded by this magical thing happening all around you. God, just try to imagine being in the same rehearsal room with these incredible performers and these amazing voices. All were chosen out of thousands who auditioned. The emotion is palatable and awe inspiring. Live theatre. Nothing like it in the world. Nothing.

You KNOW a song is powerful when hearing it performed out of costume, mostly acapella, and in an informal setting still makes the tears run down your cheeks despite your grin.

Tshidi Manye coming through with some of the truest, most heartwarming vocals I have ever heard, yet again. That lady has skill!

It’s her the lead vocalist she has God speaking though her. She is blessed with this voice that we feel in our soul. ❤️❤️❤️

The Director wanted the audience to feel and cry with the song performance but she got caught in the middle and got emotional because this is overwhelming...!

She wasn’t lying about the crying, I went to Broadway this year 2022 for my birthday because COVID busted my 50th on March 16th, 3 days before my birthday when the world went on lockdown. I cried at the opening act, it was all that and more, it gave me life. I could hear the ancestors. If they ever come to Toronto, I would see it again.

"There is far too much to take in here..." truer words have never been spoken. This shows the absolute power of Music -- and making it with other people!

They described it perfectly... that is the power of Theater. As well as damn good music, being sung by passionate singers. That's a combo that can bridge any divide, heal any wounds, and invite EVERYONE to come together in peace and love

Where Tshidi crumples at 1:18 - THAT is how much this means to her. Beautiful.

Three seconds in you made me cry, what the heck. That Africa Mama has a heart for the song as vast as the horizon. I definitely know why I'm crying.

Made all the more emotional knowing Tshidi Manye has played the role on-and-off for over 14 years now. What a treasure and gift to and from this show and theatre

Tshidi Manye's eyes are so beautiful. And her voice....oh my.

I've seen The Lion King 3 times in person, and cried each time at the opening. Even hearing it right now is giving me CHILLS.

The international anthem for humankind and animals, such a powerful song.

There's something about this song, and film that feels home. It's like coming back to your own roots, celebrating faith, life, and culture. Hope to see this live in the Philippines soon. Plus, Julie Taymor (the director) is so passionate. What a pleasure to work with people like her.

They are sobbing, I'm sobbing, Julie Taymor is sobbing, it's the Circle of Life

The emotions she feels to sing this again after Covid, I can't imagine. Thankfully, just like riding a bike, you never forget. God bless them all! Director was right, I cry every time and I don't know why

As soon as she started singing I started bawling. Such a powerful and special song. WOW

I don't understand how they can sing like this multiple shows a week without completely blowing their voices. STUNNING!!!

Tshidi Manye is an international treasure. I want her to win a Nobel Prize for theatre, and if that doesn't exist, it should. And the emotion in this cast...I can't even. I'm weeping right along with them.

The woman was singing from her soul. The chills, after watching several times, have been incredibly mesmerizing ❤❤❤

Julie Taymor at 0:15: "You see the people, and they don't know why but they cry". We know perfectly! It's the privilege of feeling the power of a masterpiece of this magnitude.

The emotion was palpable. I'm sure some of the tears are for those who are no longer here. A bittersweet moment.

As a musician who is still working with an organization trying to figure out how we're going to proceed this year and yes we're proceeding with concerts this brought tears to my eyes. What Joy you all brought to everyone around you and through this video! Good luck fellow musicians! Stay healthy strong and keep singing !

As a singer I cannot describe the raw emotion here. There is something so incredibly profound about having been away from your fellows for a lengthy period of time, especially unexpectedly, and to come together again, to start with what is already such a powerful peace, and to just... RELEASE all those emotions in your voice together. Ugly tears shed from watching this.

Lion King is THE BEST MUSICAL ON BROADWAY HANDS DOWN!!!!!

1:30 goosebumps when she started crying

Duuuuuude. This was not only absolutely incredible, it’s powerful as hell and I could watch it all day. I definitely cried start to finish.

I wasn't even in the room and I felt not just the love they have for one another but the unity but the presence of God!

There’s just something about the POWER of this performance. When you see it live for the first time, you cry just like the director said. And you don’t know why. Maybe it’s because it’s taking you back to a memory. Maybe it’s taking you back to your childhood. Either way you don’t leave this show without crying. *saw I made this comment a year ago and wanted to add something* When I made this comment, I was remembering when I was VERY fortunate to have seen this show not once but TWICE. Once with my grandparents on my dads side and the other time was with my grandparents on my moms side and my cousin. The first time I’ve EVER seen the show, I bawled like a baby when Circle Of Life started. I A FULL GROWN ADULT cried at a broadway show. It was THAT powerful. I’ll never forget the memory of my grandma audibly gasping when she saw the puppets come through the aisles of the theater we were in. For the rest of my life I’ll NEVER forget my grandma’s reaction to when the elephants come down the aisles. It’s a show that leaves you speechless that’s for sure and I’d willingly DEFINITELY go see it a third time

Couldn’t hold back tears on this. Tshidi, everyone.. you can almost feel how they feel. Absolutely moving and amazing. Y’all are awesome ❤️🙌🏼🙌🏼 thank you all, in each company of the show that has ever come and gone, is, and will come, for bringing this show to life. Stay strong!🙌🏼

I will never ever get tired of hearing this!! Such a beautiful and powerful opening!! Always brings tears to my eyes 😭😭😍😍😍😍😍😍

The lyrics say it all, don’t they; “And it moves us all, through despair and hope” How very apt. Bravo all.

It “just” a rehearsal but I’m crying. I cannot imagine the emotion in that room. The talent. My God how wonderful

If I’m bawling my eyes as the pasta overflows on the stove listening to this heavenly company, what’s opening night going to be like?!? You can literally feel every emotion as you watch each person sing and look at each other. Amazingly beautiful!! Welcome back 💗💗💗💗

Julie Taymor is absolutely right. This show is a retelling of a movie. Should you see it? Yes you should! The opening of this show is astoundingly beautiful.

This woman touches my soul every time i hear her. She's telling stories like no one else.

“They don’t know why but they cry” cue me already crying because I miss being on stage

What a glorious way for theater to return!! The music, the rhythms, the singing, - the show is pure genius from beginning to end. Can't wait to see it again.

God bless Tim Rice and Elton John who wrote this magical piece 🎶

Umm ma’am I would beg to differ. It’s the vocals, the soulfulness of the singers, the pure intentions of each person that is singing that touches each person’s soul that makes u cry….. it’s connecting you to something deeper and greater has a rich culture and history ❤❤❤❤

Het gaat niet alleen om een ​​lied, het gaat niet om een ​​race, het is een zegen voor de hele mensheid

This is just WOW ! I felt that deeply. No mask in the world could cover this kind of energy. This is how unity feels to me.

One of the best musical songs ever. If it doesnt move you, either have no soul..or dead...

March 2020 in NYC, everything was shut, Broadway closed, only the wailing of ambulances in silence. I was so sick with COVID I couldn't walk and thought I might die. Oddly I lamented to my husband that I regretted being too cheap to see The Lion King. It is strange the things you regret when you might die. But, I did make it (with Long COVID), and on our next anniversary, he surprised me with tickets. As the lights dimmed, the theatre was electric. The performance was so beautiful the joy was palpable. Thank you for this gift ❤️

Just a few days ago, I had the profound experience of watching The Lion King on Broadway with my mom, my wife, and our two little boys, marking all of our first times at a Broadway show. As the opening notes of "Circle of Life" filled the air, I was instantly sent back to my childhood, to a special memory when my mom took me to see the animated film in theaters for the first time at the age of 8. I was utterly captivated, glued to my seat. The performance struck a deep chord with all of the adults, bringing tears to our eyes with its breathtaking beauty and powerful performance. It was a full-circle moment - experiencing being a young child while also being a parent taking their children for the first time. I hope this will be a heartfelt memory for my children which we can recall and share down the line. The cast was amazing!!!!

I remember when the musical was brand new, about to premiere in Germany, they had the cast at a German TV Show performing this song. I saw this on live TV and I bawled my eyes out because it was so beautiful. And I cry every time I hear it. I will one day be able to see this in person and I will cherish every second of it.

0:27 That call !!! It sends chills down everyone's spine. Julie Taymor's reaction mirrored us all.

As a lifelong musician, there are a few facial expressions right at the beginning of the song that are the best feelings ever: 0:39 “I GET PAID TO DO THIS. THIS IS MY FREAKING JOB.” 0:42 “BEST. JOB. EVER.” 0:47 “Oh man I just gave myself the chills. This is so awesome” lol 1:20 “Dang Director lady, you jinxed me. What’s even happening? Whatever. To the rafters it is!” I’m sure there are lots more, but it’s hard to cry and type at the same time 😭😭 And if this is the vibe at a rehearsal, I can’t even imagine how it felt opening night post-lockdown.

Saw it in NYC with my daughter, ten years ago. There were no words to describe it. Loved it! It’s coming to North Carolina next month. We will be going, bringing her daughter. Can’t wait. Edit. We saw it this afternoon. My three year old granddaughter sat through the whole performance on my lap. She clapped and laughed. She knew the characters. It was so emotional, I cried at the end, it truly is a circle of life.

Going to work my ass off so I can someday see it live 🥺🤩

Thank you for allowing us to film this amazing expereince. It goes to the top of our list of projects without question. NYC is officially open again!!!!!

I grew up with Lion King animation, seeing this online is precious diamond. Thank you people such an honor.

This needs to become the international Anthem of Earth. It is the most beautiful song I will ever hear.

The way she began..I grabbed my chest …the power behind that first note

The magic happens when we take our hopes and dreams and let them cy out to our hearts, words, and actions. This is not just a beautiful song from an amazing musical. This is our decision to forge our future, despite the challenges ahead.

I am in tears... Africa is so beautiful... The countries, the people, the natural resources... really beautiful

So proud of South Africans who bring this production to life, Nansi ingonyama, ingwe enamabala, thanana thanana

Had the chance to be a front of house manager in baltimore when show was here in baltimore for a month in early 2000s. Between the proud beauty of the African language. The beauty of the opening it really doea make you burst with pride. Tears and emotion

THE ACTUAL TEARS THAT STREAMED DOWN MY FACE....BROADWAY WE NEED YOU. LION KING WE NEED YOU.

its so authentically powerful I'm a guy and i cried --

We are all Julie Taymor. I've seen this multiple times on Broadway and I cry EVERY time.

I'm getting emotional watching all these videos of shows rehearsing again. Makes me so happy to see theater start up again, we have all missed it so much.

One of the best shows EVER! The power of theater is so true. I miss it desperately!

This song and her voice makes me homesick and it being me to tears - I am a South African living in the UK

Her voice is so powerful her own singing makes her cry😢

Those performers have been waiting for over a year to be able to get back to work. They had that built up for a long time, for them to have that outlet and just sing has to be an amazing feeling for them. Broadway brings in so many jobs and money for a lot of people, hopefully things can return to some sense of normalcy for them soon, and they can get back to entertaining fans who miss them. Great job to the cast, we’ll see you soon.

Julie Taylor created the BEST opening 15 minutes of any show in Broadway history!!! In my humble opinion. I miss Tsidii Le Loka's voice... It was like none other!

My Mum took me to see this is the West End when it first opened. She was absolutely blown away, we watched it several times again. A beautiful production.

Tshidi has such joy on her face.

This song hits a 90s kid like no other. I haven't seen this movie in years, and here I am in tears.

That first note hit my soul so hard I teared up. So powerful indeed💜💜

Me standing up on my bed singing as loud as I can - "Til we find our place ..... "🎶

You owe to yourself go and see The Lion King. It's absolutely true, I start crying, the marvelous voices, the scenario, the customs, it's truly the magic of Broadway

Fragments of this song have a more bitterweet meaning today than it's ever had. Added to the emotion of getting to sing it again along with the ensemble. Bravo!

Coming from Chicago to NY for my birthday to see Lion King on Broadway. This gave me chills and I can’t wait! ❤️

I guess because of the meds I’m on, I cannot cry, but not only did I get chills all over…I cried & still crying. I love u wonderful woman. Thank God for ur blessed voice!!!🙌🏼❤

We are officially in the longest lockdown state in the world .. Melbourne, the arts capital of Australia, this has brought me so many mixed emotions. So sad because we have missed out on so many wonderful shows and experiences that the Arts brings to us all, and I’m also thankful that i feel so deeply what this song truly means in this ever changing pandemic world we live in today. Thank you for posting this💟

I will never forget seeing this for the first time. I could not help but cry. It was overwhelming and comforting at the same time. It still amazes me that someone had the spark of inspiration to create this.

This has never NOT moved me to tears, I discovered this cartoon movie when I was in 6th grade, 1995 and it changed my life, the entire movie does it to me, but this song is everything

why do i cry each time i listen to this🤣🤣🤣🤣this song no matter how many times i listen to this sends goosbumps running doen my spine❤️❤️❤️❤️

Saw the tour last summer. Rafiki was a vocal bombshell. It hurt to breathe during the songs because they were sooo good.

it will always be the first two lines of this song that gets me into tears... Thank God i was able to watch this musical here in Manila...

I got chills and started crying with the actors. This was soo heartwarming and much needed. I've missed you guys! ❤

3:21 there it is. She knew she was witnessing something special. We are all lucky that it was recorded so we could all witness it.

I cry as soon as I as that woman opens her mouth I just want to hug her lol. The best broadway show I’ve ever seen ❤❤

Gosh o'mighty! They must have missed performing so much! I pray they have a successful and healthy season.

I never saw it broadway, but I can feel the passion from the cast.

The Zulu language is so amazingly beeautiful. LOVE this!

I had two glasses of wine and now I’m sobbing??? Absolutely incredible 😭😭😭😭✨✨✨✨