Opetaia Foa’I is the latest recipience of APRA AMCOS’ Billions Award, collecting honors for “We Know The Way,” one of the standout ballads from Disney’s original Moana soundtrack. 

Written alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights, Hamilton) and Mark Mancina (The Lion King Broadway) and published by Universal Music Publishing, “We Know The Way” celebrates the rich voyaging history of Oceanic peoples.

Released in 2016, the number includes languages of Tokelau and Sāmoa sung by Opetaia, logged two weeks on the Billboard Top 100, peaking at No. 93, and was highlighted by Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Disney Songs Chart — an “historic moment for Pacific peoples with traditional Polynesian performance and storytelling reaching global audiences,” reads a statement from the PRO.

Foa’I was on hand Thursday night, July 23 at APRA AMCOS’s Sydney headquarters for the award presentation.

“One billion streams is an incredible achievement for Opetaia Foa’i and ‘We Know the Way,’” remarks Ant Healey, head of APRA AMCOS NZ. “The massive success of Moana reflects the power of authenticity – bringing Polynesian languages, culture and storytelling to global audiences in a genuine, uplifting and deeply meaningful way. It shows that authentic voices can connect with people everywhere. We are incredibly proud of his achievements.”

Alongside his band Te Vaka, Foa’I played a “pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity of the Moana soundtrack,” a statement reads, and he continued this legacy in the franchise with Moana 2 (2024) and the recently-released live action Moana remake.

The Billions Award acknowledges the rights society’s songwriter members and their publishers, and takes into account streaming numbers from Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

It’s said to be the first award of its kind to celebrate a songwriter’s streaming achievement, and is the inspiration for the BPI’s BRIT Billion Award, which the U.K. trade association introduced in 2023.

Previous inductees into APRA AMCOS’ 1,000,000,000 List  include Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker (for “The Less I Know The Better”), Flume (“Never Be Like You”), Troye Sivan and Alex Hope (“Youth”), Tones And I (“Dance Monkey”), 5 Seconds of Summer (“Youngblood”), and SHOUSE (“Love Tonight”).

PRS For Music has named Ben McOwen Wilson as the nonprofit collection society’s new CEO on Friday (July 24).

McOwen Wilson replaces Andrea Czapary Martin, who announced her departure from the role in March after seven years. McOwen Wilson will assume the title on Oct. 12.

McOwen Wilson has previously held a number of key roles across technology, gaming and culture, most recently acting as the managing director EMEA for Google Play & Google Television from September 2022 onwards. Prior to this, McOwen Wilson operated in a number of key partnership roles for YouTube for over a decade.

He has also worked extensively with the U.K. government and industry through the U.K. Creative Industries Council and the Creative Industries Federation, with a focus on issues such as intellectual property, innovation and growth. 

McOwen Wilson was selected by the PRS Members’ Council following an “extensive international search.” A press statement from the society highlights the areas of focus for McOwen Wilson in the new role, saying that “as AI, gaming, digital platforms and new forms of music consumption reshape the industry, he has spent the past 20 years building partnerships across complex digital ecosystems while working with rights holders, broadcasters, creators and policymakers.”

In its 2025 financial results, royalty collections for PRS’ 190,000 members — composed of songwriters, composers and publishers — increased by 7.7% year-on-year to £1.24 billion ($1.6 billion). 

Earlier this month a case brought by Blur’s Dave Rowntree against PRS was thrown out of London’s Court of Appeal. Rowntree had sought to bring a class action suit against the society in relation to the distribution of its so-called ‘black box’ royalties; these royalties are distributed on a pro rata distribution to its writer and publisher based on the same proportions as identified royalties. 

The Court of Appeal ruled that “there is nothing inherently unfair about the pro rata distribution” of unallocated royalties, recognizing that the system operates with incomplete information.

Speaking on the appointment Julian Nott, chair of the PRS Members’ Council said, “Songwriters, composers and publishers need a society working tirelessly to champion them and their rights. A society which embraces innovation and has the confidence to shape the future, not simply respond to it.”

He continued, “Ben is an outstanding leader with all the skills necessary to guide PRS for Music through the many changes in the music industry and the wider media market. Ben impressed us from the very beginning. He understands the technologies that are transforming the creative industries, but he also understands that innovation only succeeds if it works for the creators. We are confident that he will champion members’ interests at home and around the world, leading us boldly into the next phase of our evolution.”

McOwen Wilson added, “PRS for Music is built on trust, transparency, and a relentless commitment to its members,” said Ben McOwen Wilson. “It is a privilege to lead this organisation at a time when the voice of the creator must be louder than ever.”

“In the age of AI and accelerated digital distribution, protecting the integrity and value of human creativity is our most urgent priority. My focus will be on ensuring PRS serves as a catalyst for our members’ success, ensuring they remain at the centre of a sustainable and growing global music ecosystem.”

“My first priority will be to listen and learn. To understand the needs of members, customers, and partners, and with them shape an ambitious future for the society. I am excited by the opportunities ahead of us and committed to serve our members’ interests unswervingly.”