A petition calling for Disney to release its trademark on the words “Hakuna Matata” has attracted more than 35,000 signatures from people calling it cultural appropriation of the Swahili language.

Kenyan band Them Mushrooms featured 'hakuna matata” in their popular song 'Jambo Bwana (Hello Mister)” back in 1982. The company has received similar criticism before.

The request to register “Hakuna Matata” was approved in 2003, but the discussion has been reignited as the company prepares to release a live-action version of The Lion King next year.

“Hakuna Matata,” a song about having no worries, is now bringing Disney worries. An online petition urging Disney to drop its trademark on the Swahili phrase attracted more than 57,000 ...