Why is there no Samoan sing-along for Moana?

  • 18/10/2017

Moana was a critical and commercial success for Disney, but has left some viewers puzzled after omitting non-English subtitles off the karaoke version.

Like many Disney movies, Moana has the opportunity for viewers to watch the karaoke version of the film and sing along as lyrics show on screen.

However despite Moana's Pacific theme and the use of Pacific language in the film, the karaoke version does not contain any subtitles other than English.

Three's The Project co-host Kanoa Lloyd says this isn't good enough.

"We were so proud, weren't we to watch that beautiful movie set sail out into the world and it was an awesome chance to think, 'Oh my goodness, people in America and England might be speaking Samoan and Tokelauan'," she said.

"I do have to put my hand up though and say that I'm ashamed. I love the songs, but I don't know the all the Samoan or the Tokelauan words myself."

She's not alone either, with parents and educators in agreement about the importance of including the language.

"It's such a big part of the songs, so why weren't they there I couldn't understand it," said mum Gemma Bridges.

"It's something that we value and that's why it's important that children can see that their language is on TV," said Eneleata Tapusoa, senior educator at A'oga Fa'a Samoa.

Disney has been approached for comment about the missing lyrics, but hasn't responded.

Newshub.