A Māori language version of blockbuster Disney film Moana was released in September to celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo. Now you can get the soundtrack in your ears!
E te iwi!!! The Moana Reo Māori soundtrack is now available on Spotify! Mauri ora! @Lin_Manuel @DisneyStudios #Moana https://t.co/oUeDA1bBqA
— Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) November 3, 2017
The film screened for free in 30 cinemas across Aotearoa in September. Produced by Taika Waititi, Tweedie Waititi and Chelsea Cohen with their production company Te Matewā, the revoiced film starred Māori Television newsreader Piripi Taylor as Maui, and 16-year-old Jaedyn Randell from Tokoroa as Moana, with award-winning musician Rob Ruha acting as musical director.
Some of the Samoan and Tokelauan language songs have been left as is but most of the soundtrack has a new te reo lease on life, including reprises and an alternate version of ‘How Far I’ll Go’ by Maisy Rika.
Original Kiwi cast members Rachael House, Jemaine Clement and Temuera Morrison (who was replaced on the original soundtrack) all reprised their roles, singing their characters’ signature songs in te reo.
Ki uta e!