Grammy award-winning producer and composer of The Lion King, Lebo M, real name Lebo Morake, has accused his estranged ex-wife, Pretty Samuels, of stealing and selling his prized Blüthner grand piano — worth millions of rands.
This shocking allegation was made by Lebo M’s side this week after the couple’s acrimonious divorce last May. The theft was allegedly discovered on Monday by Khanyi Serakoeng, who is Lebo M’s associate producer and project coordinator.
Serakoeng said he noticed the piano was missing on Monday during preparations for rehearsals for a highly anticipated collaboration with Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town on April 18.
Allegedly planned the heist
According to sources close to the drama, Samuels did not just allegedly steal the piano, she planned the whole theft.
Immediately after their messy breakup, Samuels, according to the sources, allegedly used Lebo M’s electronic signature, which he had asked her to delete, to arrange for the grand piano to be delivered to a Fairmont, Johannesburg.
What followed was what appeared to be an alleged black-market deal that saw the priceless instrument vanish into thin air, said the sources. They said they had evidence that the piano was sold but wouldn’t want to share that with Sunday World.
Now, with just weeks to go before one of the biggest musical events of the year, the big question remains: who is the mystery buyer of the stolen piano? And can it be recovered in time to save Lebo M’s performance alongside one of Hollywood’s finest?
When contacted for a statement, Lebo M refused to comment directly. However, his publicist, Simphiwe Majola, was quick to respond.
Attorney adamant they’ll lay criminal charges
“Lebo M is focused on delivering a world-class performance in Cape Town next week with Hans Zimmer. He’s fully committed to this once-in-a-lifetime show. Anything beyond that is a legal matter.”
Lebo M’s attorney, Brian Msimeki, didn’t hold back, saying they were going to lay criminal charges.
“We have the evidence, and we are moving forward with criminal charges. The SAPS will be pursuing this case with full force.”
Sunday World reached out to Samuels but could not reach her as her phone went to voicemail.
