What a lovely surprise discovering such an inspirational young woman as Rosalie Norton, aka Lehali. Lehali is the village of her ancestors, so to use the name felt natural. It’s a great stage name too, and highlights the Pacifica vibe to the music.

Onto that. Company is a lilting, warm ode to one’s friends and companions in one’s youth. From the EPK: “It’s a song about love, community and authentic connection,” explains Lehali. “As young people, we know how tough navigating the difference between love and friendships can be, and this song is about, sometimes, at the end of the day all we want is to be in each other’s ‘company’.”

We’ve got some great, easy-going guitar picking over the top of some nice deep, lush D & B. It’s very mellow, and non-demanding while still being plaintive and containing a nice depth to the lyrics. One initially thinks it’s a song about young love, until the significance of the terminology carefully picked out settles in – and you realise it’s about that stronger, life-long connection one can find with true love, true companionship, true connection and friendship born of mutual growth and experience.

Lehali has a pure soprano, excellent for any genre, and she’s crafted a melody of sheer commercial savvy. The chorus is a total earworm, and despite the lower-mid tempo of the beat, the melody and delivery will ensure this is suitably danced to all across Aotearoa from house or beach parties (when the weather gets warmer again), weddings or birthdays (you getting the hint DJs?), clubs, bars, and on the radio and telly. It’s a great number and belies the fact that Lehali is only 19!

Produced by Frank Keys, the songstress is accompanied here by well known Fijian/Kiwi artist Lepani on guest vocals. With Lehali being such a busy lady, she and Lepani crossed paths professionally and the collaboration was inevitable. His heartfelt soprano went really well with this track. Kudos to a great performer.

The ending is something I had to think about, to be honest. First listen I wasn’t too enamoured with the form, but from listen two I settled down and understood the crescendo-like effect she is going for, for what it is – an increase in intensity of feeling as the song reaches its climax. Therefore, if you’re a wee bit surprised by the change of mood as the song closes, give it a second listen. It comes good, and actually enhances the overall hit. And a hit this is going to be, I can feel it in my creaky Celtic bones.

The song is on the Spotify list now. You’ll be hearing it on Mai FM, 99bFM, loads of them. I hope there’s a vid because it deserves to be on Juice. It’s a great number. Go check out her website, the URL for which is on the Lehali profile page on this site. Have a look at how immersed on social good this young woman is!

And get listening to the music.