Hakuna Matata is a phrase from the Swahili language, a language spoken in East Africa, which means "smoothly" or "do not worry".
The phrase is very common in countries like Tanzania and Kenya. It is often used with the meaning of "ok" and "no problem" to answer questions.
"Hakuna" means there isn't, and even among speakers, "matata" means trouble.
Hakuna Matata and The Lion King
This phrase became popular with the movie "The Lion King", released by Disney in 1994. The film tells the story of a lion, named Simba, who loses his father in a tragic accident, so he decides to run away from the place where he lives, because he is afraid of the evil that his uncle Scar could do.
Then, along the way, he encounters a wild boar named Pumba and a meerkat named Timon. They become great friends, until Timon and Pumbaa teach Simba their philosophy of life, entitled "Hakuna Matata."
The lesson they wanted to pass on to Simba was to not worry about anything, just enjoy every moment, the natural beauty and have fun with the events of life.
Scene from the Lion King movie, where Simba, Pumba and Timon are singing the song "Hakuna Matata."
In 1994, the song Hakuna Matata competed for the Oscar for best song, and entered the ranking of the 100 best movie songs by American Film Institute.
Hakuna Matata music
Below is the song Hakuna Matata, from the animation O Rei Leão.