When singer Nina Sosefina steps on the stage as the lead vocalist in “Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert” she feels like her own cultural roots and heritage are on display — after all, she’s Samoan and personally relates to the animated hit film and its lead character.
But her next performance will be even more special because the Long Beach native will get to celebrate her heritage and show off her considerable voice in front of a hometown crowd when the show makes its way to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Nov. 15.
“For us this film is the first time seeing ourselves on the big screen like this. It’s meant a lot seeing my culture on the main screen and in mainstream media. It’s meant a lot to my people,” said the 33-year-old singer during a phone interview.
The show is not a theatrical performance with actors in character, but a concert experience where audiences can watch the film “Moana,” which is about an adventurous teenager in ancient Polynesia who sails out on a mission to save her people, on a big screen while live musicians, including Polynesian percussionists, perform the score on stage. People can expect to hear songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome.”
Long Beach roots
Sosefina’s roots go deep in Long Beach, where she was born and raised. Before graduating from St. Anthony High School, she grew up singing in the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Long Beach, which was founded by her grandparents.
“I first started singing and acting at that church. Every week we would always have church choir rehearsal and for plays that we would perform for other Samoan churches,” she said. “That was a big part of my childhood and it made me have a passion for singing and acting,” she added.
That led to R&B and reggae performances at venues like The House of Blues, music festivals and in 2016 she sang in front of Hillary Clinton when the former Secretary of State visited the Los Angeles Polynesian community.
But her biggest performance could be this weekend, since this film is so dear to the heart of her Samoan culture.
“I relate to Moana because her dad is a chief, my dad is a literal chief, she’s of Samoan descent and her grandma is literally my grandma,” Sosefina said.
When she first got the role, Sosefina said she cried from joy but was a little nervous about the performance. But now she feels right at home in Moana’s world.
“I’m just excited to represent our people, and really represent Long Beach too,” she said.
Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert
When: 2 and 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15
Where: Cerritos Center 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos
Tickets: $29-$80
Information: ccpa.cerritos.gov/