In 2023, a group of Harvard University students amazed the world with their a cappella version of “I Wanna Be Like You” from Disney’s The Jungle Book. Their performance was so incredible that the video went viral, racking up over 1.6 million views!
This wasn’t just any cover. These young men, all dressed sharply in black tuxedos with bow ties, brought back the magic of old-school swing. As soon as they started snapping their fingers in rhythm, the energy was electric. Then, stepping forward from the semi-circle of singers, Will Murray took the lead. His voice was smooth and powerful, reminiscent of legendary crooners like Frank Sinatra.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. Soon, two more singers, Eddie Gonet IV and Saketh Mynampati, joined Will. They leaned on his shoulders in a cool, relaxed way, looking like they just stepped out of a classic ‘50s musical. Meanwhile, the rest of the group kept the rhythm alive with their harmonized swing-scat melodies, making everything sound rich and lively.
Then came a game-changing moment. When Saketh took center stage, the entire performance shifted to another level. His voice soared with incredible high notes, blending Broadway-style power with soulful R&B runs. His talent was unreal—smooth yet bold, controlled yet full of feeling. Just when the audience thought they had seen it all, two more singers jumped out and performed a playful hide-and-seek dance, something straight out of a classic cartoon like Tom and Jerry.
It was easy to forget that there were no instruments in this performance. The Krokodiloes’ voices blended so perfectly that it almost felt like a full band was playing. Their harmonies were so rich and deep, creating a sound that was both exciting and immersive.
These young men had big shoes to fill. The Harvard Krokodiloes, the university’s oldest a cappella group, have been performing since 1946. Always dressed in their signature tuxedos, they are one of the most prestigious a cappella groups in the country. Over the years, they’ve performed for famous audiences, including former President Bill Clinton, and appeared on TV shows like Good Morning America and The Tonight Show.
Since their founding, the Krokodiloes have recorded an astonishing 31 albums, capturing the voices of Harvard students across nearly a century. But no matter how much time passes, one thing remains the same—their undeniable talent and brotherly bond.
This 2023 performance of I Wanna Be Like You is truly unforgettable. From Will Murray’s mesmerizing vocals to the effortless charm of Eddie Gonet IV and Saketh Mynampati, these Harvard students have created a show-stopping moment. If you haven’t watched it yet, don’t miss out—this is a musical experience you’ll want to see for yourself!
