Lehali - Her Name is Kanaky
Kirikiriroa-born and raised songbird Lehali has released her first new single of 2025 - the dreamy ‘Pasifika Pop’ ballad, ‘Her Name is Kanaky’.
“Kanaky is the indigenous name for New Caledonia, and I was compelled to write this song seeing the riots there last year,” explains Lehali.
“I wondered what it would be like to be someone my age, living in Kanaky, and wanting change; wanting their voice to be heard but not knowing how. I wanted to write this song to raise awareness of their ongoing battle,” she adds.
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‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ is a soft and gentle tune, which showcases Lehali’s delicate vocals and powerful lyricism, which has made the young up-and-coming artist ‘one to watch’ in Aotearoa’s music scene.
Written by Lehali and produced by Frank Keys (Avantdale Bowling Club, CHAII, Yoko Zuna), ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ was inspired by political events in the Pacific and addresses the universal themes of belonging, justice and hope.
“Kanaky is the indigenous name for New Caledonia, and I was compelled to write this song seeing the riots there last year,” explains Lehali.
“I wondered what it would be like to be someone my age, living in Kanaky, and wanting change; wanting their voice to be heard but not knowing how. I wanted to write this song to raise awareness of their ongoing battle,” she adds.
Lehali captures the poignant sentiment in ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ is a music video, shot in Rotorua by Āio Media, Jessica McMillan and Ben Marr, which highlights the beauty of nature and culture. “It speaks to the connection between land, people and our wider sense of belonging,” says Lehali.
Funded by NZ on Air, ‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ puts the rising star firmly on the map and reinforces her reputation as an artist who is not afraid to speak her mind.
“This song is a great blend of what I’m passionate about, which is music and advocacy. It reflects the kind of songs and stories I will be sharing in the very near future,” says Lehali.
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‘Her Name Is Kanaky’ follows Lehali’s 2024 single ‘Company’ with fellow Pasifika artist Lepani, and makes way for a larger body of work on the horizon, which is still very much under wraps. However, Lehali says she hopes the upcoming project will “inspire creativity, cultural reconnection, exploration and decolonisation.”