Opetaia Foa'i is a Samoan musician and composer whose work centers Pacific Islander culture and identity. He co-wrote "We Know The Way" with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the acclaimed composer and lyricist behind Hamilton and In the Heights, bringing together Foa'i's cultural authenticity with Miranda's gift for narrative storytelling through music.
Miranda's career spans theater, film, and education, marked by his ability to make diverse musical languages accessible without diluting them. For "Moana," he collaborated with Foa'i to create songs that honor Polynesian heritage while reaching global audiences. Their partnership on this score demonstrates how thoughtful composition can celebrate specific cultures while inviting all students into the experience.
