Listen to MOANA’s Soundtrack in the Māori Language

If you’re unaware of just how awesome Disney‘s 2016 movie Moana is, then find it right now, watch it, and come back to us. We’ll wait the 107 minute run time. OK, welcome back. What a movie, right?! Such great animation, voice acting, some of the best music in Disney film history. And while we feel it may have been robbed of the two Academy Awards it was nominated for, a version translated into Māori is doing more important things.

This equally catchy version of “Shiny” sung by Jemaine Clement in New Zealand’s Māori language (Te Reo) was brought to our attention via Mashable. The song, called “Piata Mai Nei,” along with the entire film translated into Māori, is bringing new attention to the language for a younger generation.

According to another post on Mashable, Thor: Ragnarok director (and proud New Zealander) Taika Waititi approached Disney with his sister to translate the film. The movie already appealed to kids so the translated version, Moana Reo Māori, only furthers the possibility of kids becoming invested in learning more about Polynesian culture and the Māori language itself.

Screenings of Moana Reo Māori were shown for free at theaters around New Zealand in September and were reportedly packed. Though screenings won’t likely make it stateside, we can still enjoy the music since the soundtrack is available on Spotify according to a very excited tweet from Waititi.

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

What do you think of the music of Moana Reo Māori? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

Image: Disney

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