May 05, 2022
Lion King a Māori musical blast


Composer Pere Wihongi says she’s inspired by the quality of music in the Māori version of Walt Disney animated film The Lion King.
The Maimoatia singer and manager is working on translations and aspects of the music to support the vision of Matewa Media producers Chelsea Winstanley and Tweedie Waititi.
Matewa Media previously adapted Moana to te reo Māori, and it’s also working on Frozen.
Wihongi says it’s a chance to bring in elements of mōteatea, waiata and classic Māori compositions.
“In terms of technology, it’s matching up lips with words and all that jazz. What I’m really enjoying about this kaupapa is the fact I can work on such a cool movie. The musical score on this movie is one of the best,” Wihongi says.
The Lion King Reo Māori is set to premiere in June for Matariki.