Title: "The Lion King's First Smash Hit: "Mufasa" Takes the Spotlight"
In the cinematic universe of December 2024, the partially-animated film "Mufasa: The Lion King" graced the big screen, garnering mixed reviews but substantial box office receipts, totaling approximately half a billion dollars. This commercial triumph transformed the movie into a certified hit, albeit with an unexpected twist. For a brief spell, it seemed that none of the song offerings from the movie would amass individual fame. However, the landscape changed dramatically within a matter of weeks, thanks primarily to a social media sensation that might soon vanish from our digital landscape.
Now, "I Always Wanted a Brother" stands as a top 10 track in the United States, although not in the conventional chart sense. Its trajectory skyrockets from No. 10 to No. 4 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, the ranking of the most popular tracks on the platform. Given TikTok's status as a hub for trending tunes and smash hits, climbing into the upper echelons of the top 10 is undeniably tough. While "I Always Wanted a Brother" may hold its position, the app's potential ban in the country remains uncertain.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the auteur behind the mega-hit musical "Hamilton," penned the vast majority of the tracklist for "Mufasa." Miranda collaborated with composer Nicholas Britell on "I Always Wanted a Brother." With the exception of this breakout single, Miranda is responsible for crafting the other standout original pieces featured in the film.
Four talented performers and vocalists are credited for "I Always Wanted a Brother." Among them, Aaron Pierre and Braelyn Rankins portray Mufasa, while Theo Somolu and Kelvin Harrison Jr. take turns essaying the role of Taka, who later emerges as the infamous Scar.
Expanding its reach, the song ascends to another Billboard chart this week. Arriving at number 13 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, this 25-spot extension of the primary Hot 100 lists the most-consumed tunes in the U.S., is undeniably promising.
Although "I Always Wanted a Brother" may not compete for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, "Mufasa" offers another contender with "Tell Me It's You." This tune currently finds itself on the shortlist for this prestigious musical accolade, which, if Miranda secures, will complete his EGOT.
The popularity of "I Always Wanted a Brother" is multifaceted, with several factors converging to make it a widespread sensation. Emotional resonance and creative reinterpretations on TikTok, coupled with official music videos and behind-the-scenes content, have propelled the song to viral fame. The song's composition by Lin-Manuel Miranda, paired with the success of the film, has further elevated "I Always Wanted a Brother" into a cultural phenomenon.
Despite initially struggling for individual fame, "I Always Wanted a Brother" from "Mufasa: The Lion King" now appears on Lin-Manuel Miranda's Billboard chart, peaking at No. 10. This triumph is echoed on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, where the song climbs from No. 10 to No. 4. The song's success on these charts is not limited, as it also makes its debut on the Bubbling Under Hot 100, reaching No. 13. This widespread popularity might encourage a brother-themed Billboard Billboard, considering the song's title, "I Always Wanted a Brother." Moreover, Lin-Manuel Miranda's involvement in the song and the film's success could potentially inspire Lin-Manuel Miranda Billboard charts, given his influential role in the music industry.
