By Joseph Nathan, Staff Writer
This article is the first in a series highlighting the incredible talents of New Zealand female artists. For more of New Zealand’s talented female artists, check out this playlist: Her Sound: New Zealand’s Female Voices
If you were around in New Zealand during the early 2000s, the name K’Lee probably still rings a bell.
A teenage pop sensation, K’Lee (born Kaleena McNabb) burst onto the scene with her debut single Broken Wings, a catchy R&B-infused cover of Mr. Mister’s 1985 hit. But after capturing the nation’s attention, she seemed to fade from the spotlight. So, what happened to K’Lee?
K’Lee made her debut in 2001 at just 16 years old. Her first single Broken Wings became a top 10 hit on the New Zealand music charts and solidified her place as a rising star.
The success of her debut led to more hits, including 1+1+1, It Ain’t Two and Can You Feel Me, both of which enjoyed significant radio play. Her self-titled debut album was released later in 2001, further boosting her popularity.
K’Lee’s unique mix of pop, R&B, and youthful energy made her a favorite, especially among young Kiwis. Her presence on What Now? and Mai Time (popular youth TV shows in New Zealand at the time) turned her into a familiar face, but what really set her apart was that she represented something new—a young Māori-Pasifika artist making waves in an industry that wasn’t overflowing with diversity.
But after releasing several singles and touring extensively, K’Lee began to step back from the music industry. For many fans, the question remained: “What happened to K’Lee?” As it turns out, K’Lee decided to put her music career on hold in the mid-2000s.
While she was a trailblazer in New Zealand’s pop scene, the pressures of the industry, coupled with the desire to live life away from the spotlight, led her to take a break.
In 2003, K’Lee made a brief return to the spotlight as the opening act for the international pop sensation Christina Aguilera when she performed in New Zealand. However, after that, her music career began to wind down, and she transitioned to other pursuits.
In the years that followed, K’Lee shifted into radio and television. She became a familiar voice on Mai FM and also appeared on Flava FM, showcasing her love for hip-hop and R&B while remaining connected to the music world in a more behind-the-scenes role. Although she hasn’t released new music in years, her songs still pop up on Kiwi throwback playlists, reminding us of her impact.
Today, if you’re searching “What happened to K’Lee?” or “Where is K’Lee now?” you’ll find that while she’s no longer pursuing a full-time music career, K’Lee has carved out a quieter, more personal path.
She occasionally performs and makes public appearances, but her main focus seems to be on enjoying life away from the public eye.
Despite her early departure from the pop scene, K’Lee’s influence is still felt in New Zealand music. She was one of the first young Māori and Pasifika women to break into the mainstream music charts, inspiring a new generation of artists to follow their passions.
So, what happened to K’Lee? She made the choice to step back, live authentically, and pursue a career that allows her to connect with people through different forms of media. While the spotlight may have dimmed, her legacy as a trailblazer in New Zealand’s music scene is still very much alive.
K’lee, on the cover of her instantly recognisable album.
The Paper 