SINGAPORE: Popular Malaysian singer and actress Ayda Jebat has earned the honour of recording the Malay version of the theme song of Disney’s latest animated feature film, Moana.
Titled Bawaku Berkelana, the high-powered song proved challenging for the petite actress, as it contains a string of high notes.
But ever the talented professional, Ayda soared.
The former Akademi Fantasia (AF) Season 9 finalist had to perform five takes of the tune in the recording studio before getting the nod of approval from the sound engineer.
“It has got to be the most difficult song I’ve (ever) had to perform. Besides the high notes, I had to put in a lot of emotions when singing it,” said the 24 year-old artiste, who admitted that she did not have much time to familiarise herself with the melody, as she was sent straight to the recording studio.
Ayda, when met at the Moana press conference at Sands Expo and Convention Centre here today, said she was approached to perform the Malay version of How Far I’ll Go, the theme song of Moana, early this year.
The Rindu Awak 200% actress said she was blown away, and has treasured every moment spent working on the song.
“It was definitely a great experience, and I had a lot of fun. At the same time, working with Disney provides me a great platform to connect with younger fans, especially those who are into Disney movies,” said Ayda, who named Cinderella as her favourite Disney princess.
Besides Ayda, four top Southeast Asian singers - Janella Salvador (Philippines), Maudy Ayunda (Indonesia), Myra Maneepat Molloy (Thailand) and Minh Nhu (Vietnam) – were selected to perform the theme song in their native languages, with the exception of Janella, who sang in English.
Inspired by the oral histories of the people and cultures of Oceania, Disney’s latest film is about Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho), who convinces the demi-god Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to join her on a quest to save her people from the wrath of the lava monster Te Fiti. Along the way, Moana and Maui encounter enormous monsters and overcome impossible odds.
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (the duo who previously helmed The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Princess And The Frog), Moana is also voiced by Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House and Temuera Morrison.
Moana opens in Malaysia on Dec 1.