K'Lee
Born January 1, 1984 in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand • Next birthday: January 1, 2026
January 1, 1984
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand0
0 likesJanuary 1, 2026
72 days out10
Total visitsResolute in ambition, K'Lee-born Kaleena Renae McNabb in 1984 in Rotorua, New Zealand-emerged at age 16 onto the Kiwi pop scene with her cover of "Broken Wings" (2001) reaching No. 2 and heralding a debut album that peaked at No. 4.
Determined through adversity, she navigated the early pressures of fame, releasing her self-titled album "K'Lee" (2002) and achieving four Top 20 singles as the first New Zealand female artist to do so. Later, after a decade away from the spotlight she returned in 2012 with a single "Tables Have Turned".
Transformed by struggle, her career pivoted as she joined Auckland's hip-hop station Mai FM in 2011 and spent 13 years as a prominent radio host-leveraging her experience to democratise access to music and media opportunities. Moreover, she survived life-threatening episodes including a gang-related shooting and a kidnapping while living in Los Angeles, turning trauma into advocacy and resilience.
Elevated in leadership, K'Lee has supplemented her media role with lecturing in broadcast content creation, and in 2024 left her full-time radio show to focus on family and mentoring emerging talent.
Consequently, her influence spans not just pop music but also community empowerment and media education. Her story stands as a testament to harnessing alienation, mis-fortune and isolation into sources of reinvention. The path K'Lee forged continues to illuminate the possibilities of bold, original thinking, proving that strength arises from unexpected turns.
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Career & Achievements
- Broken Wings (single, 2001)
- 1+1+1 (It Ain’t Two) (single, 2001)
- Can You Feel Me? (single, 2002)
- A Lifetime Left To Wait (single, 2002)
- K’Lee (album, 2002)
Personal Details
External Links
Latest News
New stalk ZB
K'Lee McNabb discusses her multi-career journey on podcast
On 2025-02-16, NZ pop singer and former radio host K'Lee (Kaleena Renae McNabb) appeared on the podcast "Real Life with John Cowan" to reflect on her music breakout, 13-year radio stint and family life. She shared her Scottish-Māori heritage, surviving trauma abroad and her transition into mentoring and media education. The interview also touched on how motherhood and culture have shaped her current direction.
NZ Woman's Weekly / Now To Love
K'Lee McNabb marries longtime partner in intimate Hawke's Bay ceremony
On 2024-12-12, K'Lee McNabb tied the knot with her partner Lama Saga after 11 years together, in Hawke's Bay surrounded by their blended family. The wedding celebrated her journey from pop star and media host to family leader and mentor, shortly after the birth of their youngest son, Micah. K'Lee reflected on balancing a large whānau, cultural roots and a shifting career focus.
Now To Love
K'Lee McNabb welcomes baby boy Micah, her sixth child
On 2024-07-03 K'Lee McNabb and partner Lama Saga welcomed their son Micah J Kaiora Lama Saga, born at 34 weeks. In the announcement, K'Lee emphasised how the new arrival completed what she described as her 'busy whānau'. She also spoke about her earlier experiences of premature birth of other children and how motherhood remains central to her life and purpose.
FAQ
Who is K'Lee?
K'Lee, born Kaleena Renae McNabb in Rotorua, New Zealand, is a pop singer and radio host best known for her 2001 hit 'Broken Wings.' She gained fame as one of New Zealand's most successful young female artists and later became a leading media personality on Mai FM.
What is K'Lee famous for?
K'Lee is best known for her debut single 'Broken Wings,' which reached No. 2 on the New Zealand charts, and for being the first New Zealand female artist to achieve four Top 20 singles from one album. She is also recognized for her long-standing radio career and media mentoring.
When was K'Lee born?
K'Lee was born in 1984 in Rotorua, located in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region. She began her music career as a teenager, quickly establishing herself in the national pop scene.
What are K'Lee's most notable songs?
Her most recognized songs include 'Broken Wings,' '1+1+1 (It Ain't Two),' 'Can You Feel Me?,' and 'A Lifetime Left to Wait.' These tracks helped define early 2000s New Zealand pop music.
Did K'Lee work in radio?
Yes, K'Lee transitioned from pop music to radio in 2011, joining Mai FM in Auckland. She hosted shows for over a decade, becoming a prominent voice in the country's urban and hip-hop broadcasting scene.
Has K'Lee faced personal challenges in her career?
Yes, she has openly shared experiences of surviving a gang-related shooting and a kidnapping while in Los Angeles. These traumatic events reshaped her outlook and inspired her focus on resilience, advocacy, and community support.
What did K'Lee do after leaving Mai FM?
After 13 years at Mai FM, K'Lee stepped back in 2024 to focus on her family and teaching. She has since dedicated time to mentoring new artists and lecturing in media and broadcast content creation.
What impact has K'Lee had on New Zealand music?
K'Lee broke barriers for young female pop artists in New Zealand, blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences. Her success paved the way for more diverse female representation in the country's music and radio industries.
Where is K'Lee from?
K'Lee was born and raised in Rotorua, a city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region. Her cultural and regional roots deeply influence her approach to creativity and community engagement.
Is K'Lee still active in the entertainment industry?
While she has reduced her public appearances, K'Lee remains active behind the scenes as a mentor and educator. She continues to influence New Zealand's entertainment landscape through teaching, advocacy, and personal storytelling.
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