Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson delivered a surprise musical performance at a special Moana event in Sydney on Thursday night.
After wowing fans gathered outside the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour as he promoted his new live-action iteration of the Disney favourite, The Rock emerged on the ICC stage to join the contemporary Polynesian choir, Te Vaka, to belt out his signature hit from the franchise, You’re Welcome.
Wearing a white singlet, black trousers and a leaf garland around his neck, the Hollywood star received cheers and applause as he appeared on the stage for an impromptu performance, microphone in hand.
The catchy song is performed by his demigod character Maui in the films and features in the original Moana soundtrack, which made history in recent years after spending a record-breaking 52 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Soundtracks chart – exceeding the previous record held by the Frozen 2 soundtrack.
But it wasn’t all a song and dance. Addressing the crowd after his performance, The Rock got emotional as he shared why the film is so close to his heart.
“It’s so good to see you guys. It’s so good to be back here in Sydney, especially bringing this film,” he told the crowd from the stage. “The character of Maui was inspired by my grandfather the late High Chief Peter Maivia and that is so special to me. But also I think beyond that, and much more important than that, we have a film that represents our culture.”
“This is a film that will go around the world on the biggest platform on the globe [Disney] and that really means something,” he added.
“We have worked together for over a decade now bringing one, two, three iterations of Moana to the world, and what I have felt going around the world taking this film is a real global embracing of Polynesian culture and that is special.”
The seasoned Hollywood star, who is of Samoan descent through his mother’s side, said that unlike any other role he’s played before, Moana is “different” and “hits home”.
The actor then went on to thank musician Opetaia Foaʻi (who collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina on the original music) as well as producers and choreographers Tiana Nonosina Liufau and Kayla Faʻamaligi for upholding the Polynesian culture through movement.
The Rock was then joined on stage by director Thomas Kail – he directed the original Broadway production of Hamilton – and co-star Catherine Lagaʻaia, who was born and raised in Sydney. The 19-year-old also happens to be the daughter of Samoan-New Zealand actor Jay Lagaʻaia.
“I’m so proud to get to represent the Pacific Islands and Samoa, but also my family, my ‘aiga’ … some of my family are here,” Catherine told the crowd.
“It’s so lovely to continue my dad’s legacy and wear my last name and culture with so much pride.”
Moana is in cinemas July 8.
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