Disney just shared the voices behind the soundtrack for the live action movie of “Lilo & Stitch” and there are many local favorites, according to a video released today.
Kumu Hula Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu, legendary for his role as a composer and one of the main artists of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” and “He Mele No Lilo” in the original movie from 2002, will make a return. He leads the Oakland-based hālau, Academy of Hawaiian Arts, which just competed in Merrie Monarch last month.
Also returning is Kamehameha Schools Children’s Choir, led by Choir Director Lynell Bright. She has an extra personal connection to this film because her son, Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, is one of its screenwriters.
For the live action film, Iam Tongi will be performing “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.”
“ʻLilo & Stitch’ is such a huge part of any kid’s life, who grew up in the Pacific Islands,” Tongi said in the video released by Disney. “It’s crazy how many times I would watch it with all of my cousins and all of my friends. It has such a strong message about ʻohana, family. It was honestly a dream come true. I can only hope my version of ʻHawaiian Rollercoaster Ride’ will live on in the hearts of a new generation of kids.”
Tongi recently released the new single, “Sunshine” on April 25.
Also in the line-up of musical features is “Burning Love” by Elvis Presley, which is being sung by the North Shore-based brothers Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, and reproduced by their uncle, Bruno Mars. The North Shore duo took to social media today to share about the collaboration. They will be performing in the Ko Olina Children’s Festival, which benefits the Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, on Saturday, May 10.
Watch the entire video from Disney.
Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
