Disney’s “Moana” captivated audiences worldwide not just with its stunning animation and compelling story, but also with its unforgettable music. When audiences ask, “Who is the Singer Of Moana Songs?”, they’re often looking to uncover the artists behind the film’s powerful and culturally rich soundtrack. While the movie features vocal performances from Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui, the true architect and singer of many of Moana’s distinctive songs is Opetaia Foa’i.
Opetaia Foa’i is not just a singer, but a groundbreaking songwriter and composer who brought the authentic sounds of Polynesia to the heart of “Moana”. His journey to Disney began long before the animated film, rooted in his passion for his cultural heritage and his internationally acclaimed band, Te Vaka.
From Samoa to Hollywood: The Journey of a Moana Songwriter
Born in Samoa to a Tokelauan father and Tuvaluan mother, Opetaia Foa’i’s upbringing was immersed in the traditional music of the Pacific Islands. He moved to New Zealand at the age of nine, carrying with him the rich musical tapestry of his heritage. While exposed to Western music influences like Jimi Hendrix and Peter Gabriel in his youth, his passion remained deeply connected to his roots.
In his 30s, Foa’i founded Te Vaka, a band dedicated to showcasing Polynesian music and dance to the world. For over two decades, Te Vaka has toured globally, releasing seven albums and building a strong international reputation. This dedication to sharing his ancestral stories through music is what ultimately caught the attention of Disney.
Disney Calls: Crafting the Music for Moana
The call from Disney was, in Foa’i’s words, “amazing” and “like a huge gift.” Disney sought him out specifically for his authentic Polynesian sound, recognizing the unique quality Te Vaka brought to world music. Initially, Foa’i was approached to be the songwriter for “Moana,” a Polynesian princess movie, a project that deeply resonated with his artistic mission.
Disney’s interest wasn’t just a random choice. As Foa’i later discovered, they undertook extensive research, listening to countless Pacific artists before deciding that his “quirkiness” and deep-rooted authenticity were the perfect fit for “Moana”. This meticulous selection process underscores Disney’s commitment to cultural accuracy in the film’s music.
Navigating Cultural Authenticity and Creative Freedom
For Opetaia Foa’i, ensuring cultural integrity was paramount. He was prepared to walk away if Disney misrepresented Polynesian culture, having been critical of past attempts by others to depict it inaccurately. This commitment led to several instances where Foa’i stood his ground, even fearing he might be fired. However, Disney’s creative team, including John Lasseter, John Musker, and Ron Clements, proved to be supportive and receptive to his guidance.
This collaborative spirit extended to a research trip to Samoa with the Disney team. Witnessing their genuine excitement and curiosity about Polynesian culture further solidified Foa’i’s confidence in the project. He wasn’t just a songwriter for hire; he became a cultural ambassador, ensuring “Moana” respectfully and authentically portrayed Polynesian voyaging and traditions.
Collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina
While Opetaia Foa’i anchored the Polynesian musical elements, the “Moana” soundtrack was a collaborative effort. He teamed up with Lin-Manuel Miranda, who brought his Broadway genius to the lyrics, and Mark Mancina, who orchestrated the score. Foa’i joined the project first, followed by Miranda. Their collaboration began before Miranda’s “Hamilton” skyrocketed to fame, allowing for an initial period of focused teamwork in person in locations like New York and Los Angeles.
Foa’i described their creative process as “magic.” He would receive animated clips and intuitively compose melodies and musical ideas based on the emotions of the scenes. Not being a trained musician who reads music, Foa’i’s strength lay in capturing the feeling and spirit of each moment musically. Mancina, with his orchestral expertise, and Miranda, with his lyrical brilliance, then built upon Foa’i’s foundational Polynesian soundscapes. This three-way collaboration resulted in the rich and diverse soundtrack that defines “Moana”.
The Polynesian Soundscape: Log Drums, Chants, and Vocals
Opetaia Foa’i ensured the authentic sounds of Polynesia were front and center in “Moana”. He involved his sons, skilled in log drumming, and brought together vocalists from past Te Vaka albums. Recording sessions at Warner Brothers studios were specifically set up to capture the power of log drums and skin drums, creating the rhythmic heartbeat of the film’s score.
In studio sessions with Mark Mancina, Foa’i and his team would improvise chants and melodies, directly inspired by the scenes. These spontaneous creations, born from deep cultural understanding and musical intuition, became integral parts of the final soundtrack. This organic approach ensured that the music felt genuinely Polynesian, not just a Hollywood interpretation.
Beyond Moana: Continuing the Musical Voyage
The success of “Moana” has undeniably elevated Opetaia Foa’i’s profile, but his commitment remains rooted in his passion for Polynesian music. While acknowledging the enormity of the “Moana” experience, Foa’i expressed a desire to give others opportunities in future projects, suggesting he might not be involved in a potential sequel.
His focus remains on Te Vaka and creating new music. Even during his “Moana” journey, he was working on a new Te Vaka album. Disney’s recognition of Te Vaka’s significance extended to releasing a “Best Of Te Vaka” album under the Disney banner, further amplifying Foa’i’s lifelong work and introducing it to a broader audience.
Opetaia Foa’i’s contribution to “Moana” is more than just singing songs; it’s about embedding the soul of Polynesian music into a global phenomenon. He is the singer, songwriter, and cultural heart behind the music that makes “Moana” so unique and emotionally resonant. For those asking “Who is the singer of Moana songs?”, the answer is multifaceted, but at its core lies the artistry and authenticity of Opetaia Foa’i.
References
Kennedy, Bobby. “Opetaia Foa’i: Making Moana’s Music.” NZ Musician, December/January 2017, https://nzmusician.co.nz/features/opetaia-foai-making-moanas-music/.
