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Who Sings Disney Moana Songs?

Published in Disney Music 3 mins read

Disney's Moana songs are primarily sung by its lead cast members, most notably Auli'i Cravalho as the voice of Moana and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Maui. The soundtrack is also significantly enriched by the vocal group Te Vaka from New Zealand, led by Opetaia Foa'i, and a choir from Fiji, adding authentic Pacific Island harmonies.

The Voices Behind Moana's Iconic Songs

The musical heart of Moana beats through the performances of its talented cast, bringing to life the vibrant culture and compelling narrative of the film through song.

Auli'i Cravalho: The Voice of Moana

The central figure, Moana, is voiced and sung by the Hawaiian actress Auli'i Cravalho. Her powerful and emotive vocals are featured prominently in some of the film's most memorable songs, capturing Moana's adventurous spirit and unwavering determination.

  • Key Songs:
    • "How Far I'll Go"
    • "Where You Are" (part of ensemble)
    • "Know Who You Are"

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: Maui's Boisterous Baritone

The demigod Maui's charismatic and larger-than-life personality is brought to song by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. His performance of "You're Welcome" showcases his surprising musical talent and perfectly embodies Maui's endearing arrogance.

  • Key Song:
    • "You're Welcome"

Enriching the Soundtrack with Pacific Harmony

Beyond the main characters, the Moana soundtrack is deeply rooted in authentic Polynesian sounds and vocals, thanks to the contributions of cultural artists. The songs distinctly feature Opetaia Foa'i's New Zealand-based vocal group Te Vaka, known for their contemporary Pacific music. Additionally, a choir from Fiji lends its powerful voices, contributing to the rich, immersive soundscape that defines the film's musical identity. These groups play a vital role in songs like "We Know The Way" and other choral pieces, providing a genuine sense of heritage and community.

Other Notable Character Vocalists

Several other actors lend their voices to the diverse cast of characters, adding depth and humor to the musical numbers:

  • Rachel House as Gramma Tala, who sings parts of "Where You Are" and her poignant solo "I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)".
  • Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa, the giant crab, who performs the delightfully villainous and shiny "Shiny".

Key Songs and Their Primary Performers

The soundtrack features a total of seven original songs, along with two reprises and two end-credits versions of songs. Here's a breakdown of some of the most prominent tracks and their primary vocalists:

Song Title Primary Vocalist(s) Character(s) Portrayed
How Far I'll Go Auli'i Cravalho Moana
You're Welcome Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Maui
We Know The Way Opetaia Foa'i, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Te Vaka Various Villagers
Where You Are Christopher Jackson, Rachel House, Auli'i Cravalho, Nicole Scherzinger, Louise Bush Chief Tui, Gramma Tala, Moana, Sina, Young Moana
Shiny Jemaine Clement Tamatoa
I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors) Auli'i Cravalho, Rachel House Moana, Gramma Tala
Know Who You Are Auli'i Cravalho Moana

For more details on the soundtrack, you can visit the Moana (soundtrack) Wikipedia page.

The Masterminds Behind the Music

While the cast brings the songs to life, the music of Moana was primarily composed by a trio of talented artists:

  • Lin-Manuel Miranda: Known for his work on Hamilton, he penned most of the English lyrics and melodies.
  • Opetaia Foa'i: The founder of Te Vaka, he contributed significantly to the Pacific instrumentation, rhythms, and choral arrangements, as well as some lyrics in Tokelauan.
  • Mark Mancina: A veteran film composer, he contributed to the score and arrangements.

Together, these individuals crafted the vibrant and emotionally resonant songs that are sung by the film's cast and contributing vocal groups.