Founded and Spearheaded by Opetaia Foa’i (Grammy-nominated composer and songwriter for Disney's two "Moana" animated feature films), Te Vaka is a Contemporary Polynesian band of singers and dancers from Tokelau, Samoa, Tuvalu, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and more who are passionate about their culture. Te Vaka is acclaimed for its distinct original sound and un-touristy devotion to the South Pacific and the stories of its ancestors.
After 11 studio albums, nearly 30 years of touring to 40 countries, with hit songs like Pate Pate and Tamahana, and numerous awards, Te Vaka has solidified its position at the top of the Pacific Music scene.
Seen as ambassadors for the South Pacific, Te Vaka has performed at many major sporting events including the Beijing and London Olympics, the Rugby World Cup in Paris and the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, as well as performing at major venues and World Music Festivals across the globe.
After the success of the first Moana movie (songs including We Know the Way, Logo te Pate, An Innocent Warrior having been written by Opetaia and featuring Te Vaka singers and musicians), all which the band performed live at the World Premiere of Moana at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Walt Disney Records released “Te Vaka’s Greatest Hits - Songs that Inspired Moana”.
The soundtrack for the first Moana movie was nominated for a Grammy award and won the Billboard and American Music Award for Best soundtrack album amongst others. In November 2024 Moana 2 containing even more songs written by Opetaia Foa’i and performed by Te Vaka was released smashing many US and Global Box office records.
