In 2023, the boys of Harvard University stunned the world when they sang an a cappella version of “I Wanna Be Like You” from the classic Jungle Book film, going viral with over 1.6 million views to date!
This cover is like nothing else you’ve heard today. The dapper undergraduates, each decked out in black bowtied tuxedos, bring old-school swing back into fashion as soon as they start singing their track. From the semi-circle of finger-clickers, the group’s first lead vocalist, Will Murray, steps out from the line to wow the crowd with his flawless voice, channeling Sinatra and all those vintage greats who form the backbone of all-American music.
In a super stylish moment, two more lead boys, Eddie Gonet IV and Saketh Mynampati, step out to join him, their elbows upon Will’s shoulders and leaning casually upon him like a scene from a ’50s musical. All the while, the classy and cool backing singers carry their swing-scat melody like pros, tapping into some sensational and atmospheric harmonies.
But when Saketh has his moment in the spotlight, the video takes a brand new turn. This one standout singer manages to mix otherworldly high notes with musical theatre gruffness, before sliding into some enchanting R&B vocal runs, dripping in soul and organic talent. Then, just as you think you’ve seen and heard it all, two more boys jump out from the line to perform an interlude hide-and-seek dance ripped from the minds of Tom and Jerry.
It’s so easy to lose yourself in the boys’ complex, jazzy vocal arrangements that you soon forget that this performance contains no instrumentalists whatsoever — so rich and balanced are the Krokodiloes’ voices that they slowly form the illusion of a fully-fleshed band.
The boys certainly had big boots to fill for this live set. The Krokodiloes are Harvard’s oldest a cappella group and, always in their trademark tuxedos, are the most prestigious, dating back to 1946 and boasting Bill Clinton amongst their most famous audience members. They’ve also hit the spotlight appearing on a host of American TV classics including Good Morning America and The Tonight Show.
Since their founding, the Krokodiloes have released a staggering 31 albums, featuring nearly a century’s timelapse of Harvard singers and students. Yet the radiant, brotherly bond between the performers of this 2023 clip is absolutely timeless.
The Harvard a cappella group’s rendition of “I Wanna Be Like You” has truly captured hearts with their nostalgic yet fresh take on this classic tune. From Will Murray’s remarkable vocals to the charismatic camaraderie of Eddie Gonet IV and Saketh Mynampati, these talented students have created a performance worth watching. To fully immerse yourself in this stylish and captivating musical experience, explore the links below for more.