The plot unfolds around the budding love between Kiara and Kovu, family rivalries and the consequences of past actions. The film also explores the notion of honor and loyalty
For the record, all the animals of the savannah are gathered at the lion rock to celebrate the birth of Princess Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala. This young lioness is quite adventurous. One day, she leaves Timon and Pumbaa, who are responsible for watching her. She then enters the territory of the lions and lionesses banished from the Pride Lands for having once sworn allegiance to Scar. She meets a young lion named Kovu, adopted son of Scar and perhaps biological son of Zira, his widow. The latter, undermined by the death of her husband and filled with hatred towards Simba, imagined a diabolical plan to eliminate him so that Kovu would take his place as king. For his part, the monkey Rafiki predicts thanks to the spirit of Mufasa, Simba’s deceased father, that Kiara and Kovu will become a couple once adults.
In the context of the film, ‘Upendi’ represents a magical and wonderful place where love and passion reign supreme. It is a place where hearts can flourish and happiness can be found. Rafiki (Marcel MBoungou) in the French version of the film sings this song to encourage Kiara and Kovu to open up to love and mutual understanding. To hear the chorus: “ In Upendi where passion is a fruit, everyone is delighted with this madness, when you get high all night. In Upendi, we forget everything, we are happy, But it’s much better when there are two of us, what a wonderful country, you can walk, fly like a bird, from Tanganyika to Kilimanjaro “.
Marcel Mboungou, originally from Congo Brazzaville, is an evangelical gospel artist and pastor. His powerful and warm voice made him famous in Europe and Africa. He has shared the stage with artists such as Ray Charles, the Golden Gate Quartet and Liz McComb. Marcel Mboungou continues to sing Negro spirituals and gospels as a soloist, accompanied by small vocal and instrumental groups. Since May 2005, he has also been a worship leader with the “Total Praise” choir of the Center du Réveil Chrétien International (CRC) in the Paris region.
