Reggae Sensation Launches Debut Single

Te 6 o nga ra o Here-turi-koka 2002

Reggae Sensation Launches Debut Single

MAI MUSIC reggae act Katchafire is about to set the charts alight with their catchy debut single 'Giddyup'.

Riding high on the Kiwi passion for Bob Marley-style rhythms, the tune has already debuted on the New Zealand single charts and is tipped to break strongly into the top 50 after this week's retail release.

'Giddyup' is a finalist for best unreleased single in this year's b.NET New Zealand Music Awards and has been selected for the soundtrack of the upcoming movie, 'Blurred', directed by Gillian Ashurst of 'Snakeskin' fame.

Another acclaimed director, Greg Riwai - who's worked for Che Fu, Salmonella Dub and K'Lee - has just finished shooting the band's first music video.

The eight-piece has been in demand with gigs on the Powerplay 2002 tour, and an upcoming guest appearance on TV2's Mai Time in several weeks. The band is also the first music act to star in the top-rating television drama, Mercy Perk, in October with two more appearances scheduled for later this year.

Katchafire are Jamey Ferguson (keyboards/saxophone/vocals); Logan Bell (guitar/lead vocals); Jordan Bell (drummer); Grenville Bell (guitar); Thompson Hohepa (rhythm guitar/vocals); Ara Adams-Tamatea (bass player); Haini Totorewa (keyboards/ vocals); and Leon Keelan (percussion).

Band member Logan Bell says the group is "stoked" by the reception from fans at recent gigs which have included Maori, Pacific Islanders, Indians and other nationalities. Logan says the messages, rhythms and harmonies of reggae music have particular appeal not only to indigenous cultures but also to people from all walks of life.

MAI MUSIC managing director Victor Stent says the band's meteoric rise in such a short space of time is testament to the Kiwi passion for reggae music. A second single is set for release in November with a summer launch for their debut album.

"New Zealand has had a love affair with reggae for more than two decades, and we see Katchafire assuming the mantle which Herbs enjoyed in the eighties," Victor says.

"The band has honed a fearsome live reputation over the past four years but since signing with Mai Music in May, they've leapt to national prominence very quickly. With just one single, they've come a long way and the opportunities are still flooding in."

ENDS

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