The Mulan Music Video Mashup 2020 Needed

Okay fine, we'll accept it: Mulan (2020) will NOT be a musical. This 1998 Mulan music mashup is the perfect remedy to soothe our sore 2020 hearts with a wholesome dose of nostalgia. PS - Mulan Director, Tony Bancroft approves.

The Maia Project / Via YouTube

If you were bummed that the live-action Mulan (2020) would not have anything to do with legendary Lea Salonga's "Reflection" song (or any of your favorite classic Mulan songs for that matter) then turn up the volume and get ready for an eargasmic treat. Enter: The Maia Project.

Here are 7 reasons "1998 Mulan" by The Maia Project is a must-watch music video:

The Maia Project / Via YouTube.com

7. Can we talk about her voice though?

The Maia Project / Via YouTube

I could tell you all about how her voice makes me drop everything I'm doing to listen, or you could hear for yourself here.

6. Woo, every classic Mulan song blended and harmonized under 6 minutes? Sign me up for the next song drop!

Mulan (1998) / Via Gfycat

Maia effortlessly strings all of our favorite Mulan classic songs together, harmonizes and puts her own flavor to them all while tipping a hat to Lea Salonga and Christina Aguilera's versions of "Reflection."

The Maia Project / Via YouTube.com

Maia is clearly a fan of Mulan and really created this to help us re-live our childhoods and remind us to be true to our hearts. Thank you, girl. We appreciate you!

Mulan (1998) / Via Disney

You know how live shows like Fantasmic! at Disneyland string together our favorite Classic Disney songs and suddenly we're sobbing, as adults, believing in magic and in our dreams again? ... This song has that type of effect.

5. 1990's video camcorder, meet 2020 quarantine feels.

The Maia Project / Via YouTube.com

An endearing part of Maia's 1998 Mulan music video shows people from around the world jamming out, 90's camcorder style hence the 5 June 1998 timestamp, which was when the animated film hit theaters. In 2020, this visual also has strong quarantine era vibes.

People are finding ways to stay connected with each other and connect with their past while looking to the future. Beautiful.

The Maia Project / Via YouTube.com

4. The hidden homages in the details.

The Maia Project / Via Instagram: @TheMaiaProject

Maia's red outfit change while in the temple is a tip of the hat to the beloved Mushu character. She takes us through gorgeous sights in Hong Kong, highlighting "live action" versions of themes we see in the animated film, like cherry blossoms and traditional Chinese architecture. Speaking of ... #3:

3. A refreshing view of cultural representation in a world full of cultural appropriation.

The Maia Project / Via YouTube

Maia, a Hong Kong raised singer and songwriter confidently takes us into her culture as she honors these classic Mulan songs. In a society crowded with cultural appropriation, here is a rare example of cultural representation. And that's how it's done!

In the past, Chinese culture has often been merely a backdrop or a set in music videos. Or, if you're 98 Degrees, you creepily follow a Chinese woman out of the subway and sing "True To Your Heart" to her because that is ... romantic ... right? Oh 90's music videos.

2. Maia has a knack for catching the attention of visionaries like Tony Bancroft and Lin-Manuel Miranda with her music.

Tony Bancroft @pumbaaguy1

@themaiaproject @MingNa @MsLeaSalonga @xtina @DisneyStudios @DeanDeBlois @DavidZippel @wilderkingdom @donnyosmond Wonderful! Thank you

04:05 PM - 01 Jul 2020

Twitter: @pumbaaguy1 / Via Twitter: @pumbaaguy1

Maia's talent speaks for itself and stands on her own. But ... can we address she has a trend for catching the attention of people like animated-movie Mulan creators Tony Bancroft (Director), David Zippel (Lyricist) and Matthew Wilder (Composer) for her 1998 Mulan music video as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda's seal of approval on her performance in #HAM4BEY ?!

Lin-Manuel Miranda @Lin_Manuel

THIS lives at the intersection of my interests. https://t.co/NRep3vHVrl

01:51 PM - 22 Nov 2016

Twitter: @Lin_Manuel / Via Twitter: @Lin_Manuel

David Zippel @DavidZippel

@themaiaproject @MingNa @MsLeaSalonga @xtina @DisneyStudios @pumbaaguy1 @DeanDeBlois @wilderkingdom @donnyosmond You brought "honor to us all."

09:30 PM - 01 Jul 2020

Twitter: @DavidZippel / Via Twitter: @DavidZippel

Mulan Lyricist David Zippel told Maia, "You brought honor to us all" and Composer Matthew Wilder said "Brava!" after watching her 1998 Mulan music video.

Lin-Manuel Miranda said, "THIS lives at the intersection of my interests." of Maia's work on #HAM4BEY.

Mulan Director Tony Bancroft sincerely said "Wonderful! Thank You"

This woman is going places.

The Maia Project / Via YouTube.com

1. 1998 Mulan reminds us to remain true to ourselves - especially during these troublesome times.

The Maia Project / Via YouTube

At the very heart of Mulan is the story of a woman who fiercely loves her family, her country and her home. She loves and believes in herself and makes a massive difference, protecting what she loves. "Someone you know is on your side can set you free ... I can do that for you if you believe in me." #selfLove queen.

The end of Maia's "1998 Mulan" music video re-poses the question from the song "Reflection": Why must we all conceal, what we think, how we feel?

The Maia Project / Via YouTube.com

In a world of a lot of injustice, censorship, oppression ...and people simply struggling to figure this thing called Life out, we can always use some wholesome musical content to remind us: we are capable.

We can be brave. We can fight for what's right. We can learn new skills. We can learn to love ourselves. We're a girl (or boy, or them) worth fighting for.

With the live-action Mulan theatrical release getting delayed back to back on top of well... just about everything that has happened in 2020, we really needed this song.

Mulan (1998) / Via Disney

On September 4, before you plop down to watch the live-action Mulan from your couches (with a Disney+ Premiere purchase, a-hem) add "1998 Mulan" by The Maia Project to your Disney music rotation.

Get hyped hearing these Disney classics as we make way to watch a new, epic live-action retelling. You deserve to feel good and enjoy good music, you know? It's been a tough year.

Mulan (1998) / Via Disney

"And it's happy to see you!"

Mulan (1998) / Via Disney

Closing thoughts: the upcoming live-action movie may look like a Mulan movie, but will it bring the Mulan legacy honor? And with... dignity? Crossing our fingers!

Mulan (1998) / Via Disney

Mulan (2020) / Via Disney

And if not ...

Mulan (1998) / Via Disney