Pacific singer channels her ancestors
Song from Disney film Moana nominated in two categories in music awards
Beats of the Pacific will ring out loud and proud tonight as Pasifika talent takes centre stage. And among the nominations in the Pacific Music Awards is a first — the inclusion of soundtrack numbers from a Disney movie, in this case the animated film Moana.
Olivia Foa’i has been nominated in two categories: Best Pacific Female Artist and Best Pacific Language (song).
It is the first time the young singer has been nominated in the awards, but not the first time her surname has popped up over the years.
She is the daughter of respected Pacific songwriter and composer, Opetaia Foa’i, the man behind longestablished Pacific group Te Vaka.
The group featured on the Moana soundtrack, with Opetaia Foa’i working alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina to compose many of the songs featured in the film.
Olivia Foa’i told the Herald growing up in a family that was so heavily involved in Polynesian music was just the way things were.
“I thought it was normal. I thought that was everyone’s lives because literally, I think I was 1 when we starting touring.”
The song she has been nominated for in both categories was written by her father.
She remembers what her father told her to help her understand the message he was trying to convey.
“I think I almost cried several times. He kept telling me: ‘You’re asking permission to voyage. I want you to get in touch with the ancestors.’
“Literally, every time I perform that piece, it feels like the ancestors are with you.”
The song — with Olivia’s voice — is the very first thing that plays during the film. It is performed in Tokelauan and Samoan.
“Tulou, tulou, Tagaloa. Se’i e va’ai mai, i le tatou lalolagi,” she sings. The chant respectfully asks the sea god, Tagaloa, to look down on the world.
“It’s been my dad’s mission forever to share the stories of our ancestors. I was kind of on that vibe with him.
“It was focused on getting that communication and sharing that ancient Pacific feel.”
Opetaia Foa’i is also nominated in Best Pacific Song for another Moana number, We Know the Way. To view all the finalists visit pacificmusicawards.org.nz