Olivia Foa’i is a recording artist, dancer and director who has had a lifelong career of championing her Pacific Island roots on the world stage. Coming from musical parents Opetaia and Julie Foa’i, she grew up in their internationally acclaimed Polynesian band, Te Vaka, performing with them for 20+ years in around 40 countries. At only 12 years old she performed with the band at the Rugby World Cup in Paris and the Beijing Olympics the following year.
11 albums and many world tours later, Te Vaka became involved in Disney’s Moana soundtrack (2016), wherein Olivia sang the opening song Tulou Tagaloa amongst several other features throughout the film’s soundtrack. In 2017 Olivia Directed, co-produced and starred in the music video Lakalaka, a pan-pacific cultural celebration, which was released through Walt Disney Records and played at Disney resorts around the world for months after its release. In 2019 Olivia debuted as a solo artist with Candid, which earned her 'Best Pacific Album' at the Aotearoa Music Awards and 'Best Female Artist' at the Pacific Music Awards 2020. "Soaked with integrity the album showcases her ability to write in English and Tokelauan, delivering the integration of Polynesian sounds and culture into the Western pop and RnB realms in perfect harmony." - Nefertiti Teare (NZ Musician Mag) A prolific songwriter, Olivia wrote the theme song Mai Anamua for the Doc Edge “Best New Zealand Feature” winner, Pacific Mother which premiered in 2023. Olivia currently resides in Australia and is set to release her sophomore album Tūmau Pea November 2nd 2023. |
Olivia wins "Best Pacific Album" at the Aotearoa Music Awards 2020On the "Blue Carpet" at the World Premiere of Moana 2016Olivia performed alongside father, Opetaia, at the NZ Music Awards 2017With Dwayne Johnson at Disney's
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