New Lehali Empowerment Anthem ‘@kateshepp_1893’ Asks Are We There Yet?
Pacific-pop princess Lehali lifts the veil on a bold new era with the release of her first single, @kateshepp_1893, out today.
Pairing sharp social commentary with an upbeat electronic dance-pop sound, @kateshepp_1893 reflects on the state of women’s rights around the world and asks what Aotearoa suffragette Kate Sheppard might think if she saw the world today.
Hailing from Kirikiriroa, Lehali (Ni-Van, Māori) says the song was sparked by that very question.
“Kate Sheppard is an Aotearoa icon that we proudly celebrate, but our country doesn’t seem to proudly continue her fight,” says Lehali.
“I wrote this song last year and it was sitting in the vault, but when I listened to it again recently, I realised how relevant it still is this year with continued changes to women’s rights around the world.”
A student at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Lehali also found inspiration through her university assessments on Aotearoa policy.
“I am constantly inspired by researching the histories of Aotearoa and the Pacific, from my own research and through university topics,” says Lehali.
@kateshepp_1893 was co-produced by Lehali and Tāmaki producer Frank Keys, marking another step in Lehali’s growing creative confidence as both an artist and producer.
“Naturally, my music gravitates towards Pop and R&B with Pacific beats, instruments and narratives throughout,” says Lehali.
“Co-producing with Frank Keys for the bulk of this album and getting to work with other producers such as JARNA and Noema Te Hau III on a few tracks has expanded my musical horizons. Their unique styles stretched my own creativity and allowed me to just have fun with it.”
@kateshepp_1893 is the first single from Lehali’s opening chapter, ‘Lifting the Veil’, which will roll out across the next month and feature four tracks: @kateshepp_1893, Music Industry 101 and Warm Enough co-produced by Frank Keys, and Chameleon feat. Spdrtwnbby co-produced by East-Auckland artist, producer and engineer, JARNA.
The chapter offers the first glimpse into Lehali’s upcoming 16-track album Hear Our Voices, set for release later in 2026.
@kateshepp_1893 is available now on all streaming platforms.
Photo Credit: Nami
