A powerful moment of Samoan pride shared by Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has helped inspire a new anthem celebrating Samoan identity, cultural heritage and the dreams of future generations.
Award-winning New Zealand-based Pacific ensemble Signature Choir has released Ia Manumalo, featuring renowned Samoan artist Wayno and The Voice Australia Season 6 runner-up Hoseah Partsch.
The song, whose title means “to overcome” or “to be victorious”, was penned to celebrate the strength of Samoan people, the sacrifices of those who came before them and the importance of preserving language and culture for generations to come.
The inspiration behind Ia Manumalo grew from an extraordinary year for Signature Choir, which included performing alongside Pacific music legends Te Vaka and Dwayne Johnson at the Sydney premiere of Disney’s live-action Moana.
For Signature Choir founder and Music Director Fepulea’i Helen Tupai, hearing Johnson speak proudly about his Samoan heritage and his grandfather on an international stage was a particularly meaningful experience.
“Ia Manumalo has grown from our journey as a choir and the experiences we’ve had taking Pacific music and language to iconic stages,” Fepulea’i said. “From Mana Moana to performing alongside Pacific legends Te Vaka and The Rock, we’ve had many moments that have reminded us just how far our stories can travel.”
She added. “Hearing The Rock share about his grandfather and speak so proudly of being Samoan on a global stage really stayed with us. That feeling fuelled the inspiration of Ia Manumalo even more, for it to be a song our people can sing loudly and proudly, carrying with them where we come from and what we can become.”
While the choir has performed on some of the world’s most celebrated stages, the message behind its latest release goes beyond international recognition and artistic achievement.
At the center of Ia Manumalo is a reminder that victory can also be found in everyday expressions of identity, from speaking the Samoan language and practising cultural traditions to honouring the sacrifices of ancestors and passing their knowledge to the next generation.
The song carries a message of unity through the Samoan lyrics: “Afai ua tasi lea, ina pese ia ma fa’aea, le manuia ‘aua le melea.” Translated as: “If we are united as one, let us sing and lift our voices, don’t miss this blessing.”
Bringing together the distinctive vocals of Wayno and Hoseah Partsch with Signature Choir’s powerful harmonies, the song blends contemporary Pacific music with the richness of the Samoan language.
Its accompanying music video reinforces the message by celebrating the everyday traditions and cultural connections that shape Samoan identity.
The release follows another milestone year for Signature Choir, which received three honours at the 2026 Pacific Music Awards: Best Pacific Gospel Artist, People’s Choice Best Pacific Artist and the Special Recognition Award.
Founded in Wellington, Signature Choir has grown from a community choir into an internationally recognised Pacific performing arts ensemble, performing alongside major orchestras in New Zealand and Australia and staging sold-out concerts at the Sydney Opera House.
Through its music, the choir continues to share Pacific languages and stories with international audiences while remaining connected to the communities and cultural traditions that inspire its work.
With Ia Manumalo, Signature Choir hopes to encourage Samoans around the world, particularly the younger generation, to dream big, embrace their identity and recognise that their heritage is a source of strength.
Ia Manumalo, featuring Wayno and Hoseah Partsch, was released on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, and is now available on major streaming platforms.
Listen to Ia Manumalo: https://music.apple.com/us/album/ia-manumalo-single/6816814362
About Signature Choir
Signature Choir is an award-winning Wellington-based Pacific ensemble led by Music Directors Fepulea’i Helen Tupai and Jadrah Tupai. Known for blending choral performance, contemporary Pacific music and cultural storytelling, the choir has performed with leading orchestras across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, including sold-out performances at the Sydney Opera House. Through its performances and original music, Signature Choir celebrates Pacific languages, identity and cultural heritage while inspiring future generations of Pacific artists.
