Reggae is one of the bloodlines of New Zealand music, and the all-Maori band Katchafire has become its foremost advocate today. A family affair from day one in 1997, founder and lead guitarist Grenville Bell and sons Logan (lead vocals) and Jordan (drums) remain the core of the band. Transcending their origins in a Hamilton garage as a cover band, Katchafire took their Marley-inspired original music to the bars and clubs, building up a fan base of thousands. Their exceptional debut album, the prophetically named Revival, sold in excess of 45,000 copies ( more than double platinum in New Zealand) and they scored massive hits with songs like Giddy Up, the nation's biggest selling single of 2002-3.
After building on that success at home with the platinum follow-up "Slow Burning", Katchafire took a major step forward when New Zealand foreign exchange students Introduced their Kiwi reggae vibes to the fertile soil of the Hawaiian Islands. Underground popularity soon exploded onto the airwaves, and by the summer of 2006 Katchafire was topping the sales charts in the Aloha State and headlining at the 10,000 capacity Waikiki Shell. The past 2 years have found the boys giving their passports a considerable workout, from festival appearances all over Europe to increasingly successful mainland U.S. excursions. They now draw huge crowds all over the Pacific, from Australia to Guam and Saipan.
On record, Katchafire reached a new level of musical depth and maturity on 2007's "Say What You're Thinking". With jazz, pop, rock and even hip-hop influences enhancing a solid roots foundation, they scored their greatest American chart success to date with a 6 showing on the Billboard Reggae chart. Katchafire is well-known for trading instruments among themselves during their marathon live shows. That versatility is demonstrated as never before on this album, with no less than five band contributing songs and sharing lead vocal duties. Front man Logan Bell contributes four tunes including the instant classic love song "Meant to Be". Jamey Ferguson contributes his unmistakable raspy leads on four more, including the thoughtful title track and gospel-tinged "Doesn't Anybody". Percussionist Leon Davey shows off his vocal skills on "Now Girl" and "Love Letter", as does drummer Jordan Bell on "J. Dubb" and keybooardist Haani Totorewa with "This World".
2008 is shaping up as a momentous year in the history of Katchafire. At home, in January they shared the stage with acts like Rage Against the Machine and Bjork at the Big Day Out Festival. In February they open for UB40 and Maxi Priest on the Raggamuffin tour of Australia. And March finds them launching another U.S. tour with showcase appearances at Austin's South By Southwest Music and Festival, including one at City Hall. With the musical evolution evident on their latest release, combined with their relentless tour schedule and phenomenal live shows, It looks like only a matter of time before the whole world is Katchafire country.
"Itâ€--s a tribute to the global spread of reggae that a group like Katchafire can deliver such a great album in â€--Say What You're Thinking", with a depth of songs and cool musicality. Katchafire represents the best of reggae today, and it's out of New Zealand."
Dermot Hussey
Program Director XM 101
Over 30 years experience as a multi-media man, Dermot Hussey is co-author of Bob Marley: Reggae King of the World and producer of the Bob Marley interview released on Marley's album Talkin' Blues. Awarded a Musgrave Medal, a prestigious Jamaican award for services to media and music, Hussey has also contributed to Encyclopedia Britannica.
"Their live shows have already received legendary status. Contemporary international roots music at its best."
Chuck Foster.. The Beat Magazine, KPFK radio Los Angeles, noted author and reggae authority.
For more info please visit our website at: http://www.katchafire.co.nz/
I'm stoked you guys are coming to the US - I'll be there on the Long Beach shows. Also, you guys should make it easier for US fans to download your album of Itunes and or buy it online (the store on your official site isn't very secure). Love the music.
WAZZ UP MA'ORI BRADDAHZ, 1 KANAKAMAOLI JUST DROPREN BY TO GIVE PROPS KATCHAFIRE. HOOOO LAST B-DAY BASH SATERDAY NIGHT YOU BRADDAHZ KICK SOME AKOLE MAN. I WAS HOPING YOU GUYS WOULD CLOSE INSTEAD OF FIJI. BUT DAS OK NEXT TIME. KEEP UP THE SOLID WORK & LYRICS AND CANT WAIT 4 THE NEXT CD RELEASE. MAHALOS 4 ALL THE GOOD WORK FROM ALL DA KANAKAS IN HAWAII. ALOJAH'Z
"We must stop confusing religion and spirituality. Religion is a set of rules, regulations and rituals created by humans, which were supposed to help people to grow spiritually. Due to human imperfection, religion has become corrupt, political, divisive and a tool for power struggle. Spirituality is not theology or ideology. It is simply a Way of life, pure and original as was given by the Most High of Creation. Spirituality is a network linking us to the Most High, the universe and each other. As the essence of our existence, it embodies our culture, true identity, nationhood and destiny. A people without a nation that they can really call their own, is a people without a soul. Africa is our nation and is in spiritual and physical bondage because Her leaders are turning to outside forces for solutions to African problems when everything Africa needs is within Her. When African righteous people come together the world will come together. This is our divine destiny!"
Words of H.I.M. HAILE SELASSIE I, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah
Wassup Boys! Long time no talk eh mate haha. Just wanted to say it was a dream come true to play with you guys. Hope we can play music again. Keep in touch and keep the fire burning. Tennaque Mate Bubba
FYI: Now available through the Cult of the Blues myspace page and on trademe. co. nz: Ngati Dread, Volume 1, Footsteps of Fire. The book about how the Ruatoria Rastafarians, took Bob Marley's lyrics literally, burning and-a looting and doing their best to chase those crazy baldheads out of town. You won't have read anything like this. If you like your crime writing dark, weird and 100 percent true, you can't go past this painstakingly researched book about one of the most bizarre chapters of modern New Zealand history. Cheers, Gus
