Rhythm of the Pride Lands is an
audio CD released on February 28, 1995 by
Walt Disney Records, a "sequel" to the
original motion picture soundtrack of the animated film
The Lion King. The CD was originally an independent project developed by
Jay Rifkin and
Lebo M and included songs and performances inspired by, but not featured in the film. As the project developed Disney came on board and supported the project. Most of the tracks were composed by African composer Lebo M and producer Jay Rifkin and focused primarily on the African influences of the film's original music, with most songs being sung either partially or entirely in various African languages. Several songs featured in the album would later have incarnations in other
The Lion King-oriented projects, inspiring Julie Taymor's stage musical or the direct-to-video sequels, such as "
He Lives in You". As of April 1997, the album had sold more than 900,000 copies and by October 1998 was certified platinum.