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Katchafire
Katchafire
from Wikipedia

Katchafire are an all Māori New Zealand roots reggae band from Hamilton, New Zealand.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Katchafire formed in Hamilton in 1997, originally as a Bob Marley tribute band.[1][2] The band's name derives from Catch A Fire, The Wailers' debut album.[3] They have released six albums: Revival (2003), which featured the highest-selling New Zealand single of 2002 "Giddy Up", Slow Burning (2005) Say What You're Thinking (2007), On the Road Again (2010), which peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard Reggae chart,[4][5] and the compilation Best So Far (2013) Legacy (2018).[2]

The band has extensively toured Australia, the UK, Europe, the United States, New Caledonia, the Pacific Islands, Guam, Indonesia, Brazil including their home country of New Zealand and have played on the same bills as The Wailers, The Marley's, Steel Pulse, Third World, UB40, Shaggy, Lauryn Hill, Fiji, and Horace Andy.

Band members

[edit]

The band's original line-up consisted of founder Grenville Bell (manager, lead guitar) with his two sons Logan (vocals) Jordan (drums), the line-up expanded to include eight members, including Jerry Taukamo (lead vocals, lead guitar), Thompson Hohepa (lead vocals), Hani Totorewa (keyboards, vocals); bass duties went to a number of different musicians, Jhonny Fish (John Kennedy), Shocka (Shane Maraki), Tere Ngarua and Travis Te Hau.

As a result of commitments with other bands, family and religion, lead singer Jerry Taukamo departed from the band Katchafire with Logan stepping into the position becoming the band's new and current lead singer.

With the addition of James "Jamey" Ferguson (vocals, keyboard, saxophone) and departure of Tere Ngarua, it opened the opportunity for Ara Adams Tamatea (bass, band management) and Leonard "Leon" Davey (percussion, vocals) to join, not long after which it allowed Grenville Bell to step out of the management duties and continue his role as the band's lead guitarist.

The band went through yet another change in line-up as Ara Adams Tamatea stepped down from his role as manager/bass player, continuing only as the band's New Zealand booking agent, with original bass player Tere Ngarua returning and Logan Bell taking over the band management.

The current line-up:

  • Logan Bell (guitar, vocals) 1997–present
  • Jordan Bell (drums, vocals) 1997–present
  • Leonard "Leon" Davey (percussion, vocals) 2000–present
  • Tere Ngarua (bass guitar) 1997, 2007–present
  • Roy Kaiki (keyboards, vocals) 2016–present
  • Wiremu Barriball (lead guitar, vocals) 2016–present

Former members:

  • Grenville Bell (lead guitar) 1997–2014
  • Haani Totorewa (keyboards, guitar, vocals) 1997–2013
  • James "Jamey" Ferguson (keyboards, saxophone, vocals) 2000–2013
  • Ara Adams Tamatea (bass) 2000–2006
  • Jerry Taukamo (lead vocals, lead guitar)
  • John "Jhonny fish" Kennedy (bass)
  • Shane "Shocka" Maraki (bass)
  • Travis Te Hau (bass)

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Album Label Peak chart
positions
NZ
[6]
2003 Revival Mai Music 5
2005 Slow Burning Mai/Shock 12
2007 Say What You're Thinking EMI 5
2010 On the Road Again EMI/Lion House Records 3
2013 Best So Far (compilation) VP/Greensleeves 3
2018 Legacy Universal NZ/Zojak Worldwide 8
[7]
[edit]

Katchafire have appeared on a number of compilations since 2002 in New Zealand. The following is a list of these albums that have featured tracks by the band.

Release Album Label Track
2002 Simply the Best Reggae Album Warner Music "Bounce"
2003 The Reggae Collection Universal Music "Collie Herb Man" and "Giddy Up"
Off the Hook 3 Sony Music "Get Away" (Remix)
2004 Conscious Roots Capitol Music "Get Away"
2005 Conscious Roots 2 Capitol Music "Frisk Me Down"
2006 More Nature Sony BMG "Giddy Up"
2007 Conscious Roots 4 EMI "This World"

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
NZ
[6]
2002 "Giddy Up" 4 Revival
"Who You With" 10
2003 "Get Away" 8
2004 "Rude Girl" Slow Burning
2005 "Hey Girl"
2006 "Frisk Me Down"
2007 "Say What You're Thinking" Say What You're Thinking
2008 "Love Letter"
2009 "Working"
2010 "Slow Down" feat. Rebel Souljahz Bring Back The Days
"Just You & Me" feat. Na Wai Non-album single
"On the Road Again" On the Road Again
"Groove Again"
2016 "Burn It Down"
2017 "Addicted" Legacy
"Way Beyond"
2018 "Love Today"
"100"
2019 "Fyah in the Trenches"
2020 "Circle Back" [A] Non-album singles
2021 "Karawhiua" [B]
"Whaingaroa" [C]
2022 "Always with You" [D]
2024 "Magic (What She Do)" [E]
"Commit" [F]
2025 "Collie Herb Man" (Revival 2.0) [G]
"Giddy Up" (Revival 2.0) [H]
2026 "Seriously"
(featuring Ali Campbell)
[I]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Katchafire is an all-Māori band from , formed in 1997 by lead guitarist Grenville Bell and his sons Logan Bell (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) and (drums and vocals). The band, which expanded into a larger ensemble featuring bass, percussion, keyboards, and horns, blends classic with influences from R&B, , modern , and pop. Emerging from informal family jam sessions, Katchafire gained prominence in the early through their authentic live performances and a growing "Fyah Fam" fanbase, particularly in the Pacific and Californian scenes. Their breakthrough came with the debut album Revival, which achieved certification in and featured hit singles like "Get Away" and "Collie Herb Man." Over the years, they have released four additional studio albums—including Slow Burning (2005), Say What You're Thinking (2007), On the Road Again (2010), and Legacy (2017)—along with compilations like Best So Far (2013), earning multiple New Zealand Music Awards, further sales, and chart-topping singles. Katchafire has built a global reputation through sold-out tours across , , Australia, and the Pacific, sharing stages with reggae icons such as Damien Marley, , and The Wailers, and performing at major festivals like and California Roots. Praised by reggae tastemakers like and for their uplifting messages of love, unity, and social awareness, the band continues to evolve, with remixed singles from the upcoming Revival 2.0 album (set for release in January 2026)—such as "Collie Herb Man" (August 2025), "Done Did It" (September 2025), and "Get Away" (October 2025)—maintaining their status as a cornerstone of contemporary .

Formation and Early Career

Origins and Naming

Katchafire was formed in 1997 in Hamilton (Kirikiriroa), , by brothers Logan Bell and , along with other local musicians including their father Grenville Bell on lead guitar, as a tribute band dedicated to the music of . The group emerged from informal jamming sessions in a family garage, reflecting the strong influence of on the local community in the region. Initially composed entirely of members, the band emphasized cultural identity through their shared heritage and passion for roots music, drawing from the spiritual and social themes in Marley's work. The band's name originated from Bob Marley's seminal 1973 album by The Wailers, which they stylized as "Katchafire" to honor their reggae foundations while adapting it to their own creative expression. This choice underscored their early focus on covering Marley's catalog, including hits like "" and "One Love," which resonated deeply with audiences familiar with 's message of unity and resistance. In their formative years, Katchafire performed at local venues and festivals across the Waikato region, such as the Te Ao Marama Festival at Raglan's Poihakena Marae in June 1997, where they debuted as an unnamed Marley tribute act. These grassroots gigs in community halls and small clubs helped cultivate a dedicated local fanbase, fostering a sense of cultural connection among Māori youth and reggae enthusiasts in the area. This period of tribute performances solidified their lineup and stage presence before they began incorporating original songs.

Debut Releases and Local Recognition

In 2002, Katchafire released their debut single "," which marked a pivotal transition from performing covers to producing original material. The track, written by band member Jamey Ferguson, quickly gained traction, reaching number 4 on the New Zealand singles charts and spending two months in the Top 10. This success came shortly after the band signed with Mai Music, an independent label affiliated with Mai FM radio station, signaling their emergence as a promising act in the local scene. The band's debut album, Revival, followed in 2003, released through Mai Music and featuring standout tracks such as "Who You With" and "Get Away," which became radio hits and contributed to the album's widespread appeal. Recorded with support from NZ On Air funding, Revival debuted at number 5 on the album charts and achieved status within three weeks of release. By November 2003, it had reached certification, selling over 15,000 copies, and later attained double status, underscoring its commercial breakthrough as a grassroots success story in music. Early tours solidified Katchafire's domestic presence, with the band undertaking nationwide performances across , including appearances at events like the Festival in . These outings, often in support of their rising singles and album, helped build a dedicated fanbase through live shows that emphasized their authentic sound. Initial media coverage in outlets praised the band's heartfelt, Pacific-influenced as a refreshing revival of the , highlighting its cultural and radio-friendly tracks that captured the nation's reggae-loving audience.

Musical Style and Influences

Roots Reggae Sound

Katchafire's signature sound is characterized by a fusion of traditional rhythms and dub effects, enhanced by upbeat horn sections and leads that create a laid-back yet energetic vibe. This style emphasizes a slower, meditative infused with a distinctly flavor, often featuring prominent bass lines and rhythmic grooves that evoke the genre's Jamaican origins while incorporating Pacific nuances. The band's lyrics explore themes of , social issues, and everyday Pacific Island life, delivered through a blend of English and te reo to reflect cultural authenticity and broader resonance. Lead vocalist Logan Bell's harmonious delivery, supported by layered backing vocals from bandmates, conveys uplifting messages of healing and consciousness, often drawing from personal and communal experiences in . Live instrumentation forms the core of their sound, with bassist Tere Ngarua providing deep, groove-heavy foundations that anchor the pulse, complemented by riffs from Logan Bell and contributions from horns such as and keyboards for added texture. This approach maintains an organic feel, prioritizing ensemble interplay over electronic embellishments in their foundational recordings. Over time, Katchafire's production has evolved from the raw, organic quality of their early works, captured in straightforward studio sessions emphasizing live band energy, to more polished digital mixes in later releases that incorporate refined dub elements and international collaborations for greater clarity and depth. This progression allows their roots reggae essence to adapt while preserving its consciousness-driven roots, influenced briefly by icons like Bob Marley.

Cultural and Artistic Inspirations

Katchafire's music is deeply rooted in , reflecting the band's origins as an all- ensemble from Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), . Formed at the Te Ao Marama Festival on Poihakena in Raglan in 1997, the group incorporates te reo into their songwriting, as seen in tracks like "Karawhiua / 100," their first waiata reo , which addresses challenges in reclaiming language and identity. Songs such as "Whāingaroa" further ground their lyrics in 's landscapes and communities, evoking a and cultural belonging that ties into broader oral traditions and expressions of (). The band's artistic inspirations draw heavily from Pacific reggae pioneers, blending local sounds with international reggae heritage. Influenced by groups like , known for their politicized fusion of Pacific traditions and reggae, and , with their soulful, dub-infused grooves from Wellington's club scene, Katchafire contributes to Aotearoa's lineage. This Pacific foundation allows them to merge regional rhythms and themes of unity with global styles, creating a sound that resonates within New Zealand's diverse cultural landscape. Bob Marley's profound impact shapes Katchafire's emphasis on spirituality and resistance, adapted to contemporary contexts. Beginning as a Marley tribute band inspired by his 1979 Western Springs concert—which galvanized local musicians toward conscious —the group channels themes of upliftment and social critique, such as in lyrics like "don’t frisk me down because of my brown skin." These elements echo Marley's Rastafarian spirituality and calls for justice, reframed through perspectives on and in New Zealand's postcolonial setting. Early efforts to reinforce cultural authenticity include the band's participation in projects like the Waiata / Anthems series, initiated by Māori producer Hinewehi Mohi, which supported their te reo Māori recordings and highlighted collaborative ties within the community. This work underscores Katchafire's commitment to artistic expression, bridging traditional influences with modern forms.

Major Achievements and Tours

Breakthrough Albums and Awards

Following their debut success, Katchafire's second studio , Slow Burning, released in 2005 through Mai Music/Shock Records. The peaked at number 12 on the New Zealand charts and achieved platinum certification for sales exceeding 15,000 units, solidifying the band's growing domestic popularity. Their third album, Say What You're Thinking, followed in 2007 on , entering the Top 10 of the charts and earning gold certification for over 7,500 units sold. This release further showcased their evolving sound, with contributions from multiple band members on original compositions. In 2010, On the Road Again marked another milestone, released via /Lion House Records and reaching platinum status in by 2011, reflecting the band's intensive touring schedule that inspired its title and content. The album highlighted their balance of classic with R&B and elements. The 2013 compilation Best So Far, issued by VP/Greensleeves, collected key hits from prior releases, reinforcing their catalog's enduring appeal and contributing to overall platinum sales across their discography. Katchafire's fifth studio album, Legacy, arrived in 2018 through Universal NZ/Zojak Worldwide, debuting at number one on the New Zealand iTunes album chart and earning nominations for Best Roots Artist and Best Māori Artist at the New Zealand Music Awards. The album blended roots reggae with R&B influences, celebrating two decades of the band's career. Throughout this period, Katchafire received significant recognition, including a win for Highest Selling Single in 2003 at the Music Awards for "Giddy Up" from their debut Revival. They were nominated for Best Urban Album in 2011 for On the Road Again and garnered multiple APRA Silver Scroll nominations, such as for "Lead Us" in 2011 and "Karawhiua" in 2021, honoring their songwriting prowess. Their overall catalog has achieved platinum status in , underscoring their rise to national prominence.

Global Performances and Collaborations

Katchafire embarked on their first international tour in 2006, headlining a five-date run across Hawaii's main islands, which marked their debut in the United States. During this period, the band also shared stages with established acts like , including joint appearances that highlighted their compatibility with global reggae icons. From the mid-2000s onward, Katchafire became regular performers at major international festivals, solidifying their presence beyond . They made notable appearances at the California Roots Festival, including sets in 2013 and 2016 that emphasized their energy to diverse crowds. In , they participated in the Raggamuffin Movement tour and festival circuit starting in 2007, sharing bills with international and local reggae artists. These events, along with performances at venues like Reggae on the Mountain in in 2017, allowed the band to connect with fans through live interpretations of their signature sound. The band's global reach extended through key collaborations with prominent reggae figures and fellow Māori artists, fostering cultural ties within the genre. Early international tours saw them perform alongside The Wailers' original Word, Sound and Power band, blending their style with foundational influences. They joined House of Shem and other Māori reggae acts on the 2007 Raggamuffin tour, promoting unity in Pacific Island music scenes. Further partnerships included shared tracks on compilations like the 2013 NRG Rising project, where Katchafire contributed alongside House of Shem, Sons of Zion, and to support earthquake recovery efforts in . Katchafire's expansion into international markets from the mid-2000s emphasized cultural exchange and consistent touring, leading to sold-out shows in key regions. They targeted the beginning with , followed by mainland tours that built a dedicated following through high-energy performances. In the Pacific Islands, such as , their headline concerts at venues like Suva Stadium drew massive crowds and achieved sell-out status, underscoring their resonance with island audiences. European dates, including stops across the continent, further diversified their fanbase, with the band prioritizing authentic experiences that bridged Māori heritage and global rhythms. This strategic growth, bolstered by earlier awards, enhanced their visibility and led to repeated sold-out engagements worldwide by the late 2010s. In 2024, the band released remixed tracks from Revival 2.0, and in 2025, they announced tours in the and .

Band Personnel

Current Members

Katchafire's current lineup as of November 2025 consists of six core members who have been instrumental in maintaining the band's sound through extensive touring and recording. Logan Bell serves as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, having co-founded the band in 1997 alongside his brother ; he is renowned for his charismatic stage presence that energizes live performances. Jordan Bell, Logan's brother and co-founder, plays drums and provides backing vocals, while also contributing significantly to songwriting efforts that shape the band's material. Ara Adams-Tamatea handles , having rejoined the band in March 2025 after an earlier stint in the early 2000s. Leon Davey, on percussion and backing vocals since 2000, brings dynamic live energy to the band's sets through his multifaceted contributions as a songwriter and performer. Roy Kaiki joined in 2016 on keyboards and organ, adding dub-influenced layers that enhance the textures in both studio and live contexts. Wiremu Barriball, who came on board in 2016 as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist, has provided stability for the band's international touring schedule.

Former Members and Changes

Katchafire's lineup has evolved significantly since its formation in 1997, with several key departures driven by the demands of extensive international touring and personal projects. Founding member Grenville Bell, who served as lead guitarist and manager alongside his sons Logan and Jordan, stepped back from performing with the band in the mid-2010s to concentrate on management duties and launch his reggae project Indica. Tere Ngarua played bass from 1997 to 2006 and rejoined in the early 2000s until stepping back from touring in early 2025. Early member Ara Adams-Tamatea, who played bass during the band's formative years in the early 2000s, departed around 2006 to pursue other musical endeavors, including session work and later joining the popular New Zealand band L.A.B. as bassist, before rejoining Katchafire in 2025. The 2000s saw additional turnover among supporting roles, particularly keyboardists and percussionists, as the band navigated grueling tour schedules that tested member commitments; notable among these were long-time contributors Haani Totorewa (keyboards and vocals, 1997–2013) and Jamey Ferguson (keyboards, saxophone, and vocals, 2000–2013), both of whom left in the early . By the late , the lineup had stabilized around the core of Logan and , percussionist Leon Davey, and bassist Tere Ngarua, preserving the band's foundation. Following Ngarua's departure in 2025, the core has continued with Ara Adams-Tamatea on bass and the additions of Roy Kaiki and Wiremu Barriball. These shifts reinforced the leadership of the Bell brothers while allowing former members to thrive in solo or new group ventures, as evidenced by a March 2025 reunion show in Hamilton that featured past contributors like Grenville Bell (via Indica), Haani Totorewa (via Tigerhour), and Jamey Ferguson (via Son & Water) as support acts.

Discography

Studio Albums

Katchafire's debut studio album, Revival, was independently released in through Mai Music and comprises 12 tracks, including " Revival," "Get Away," and "Who You With." The album marked the band's breakthrough in the New Zealand reggae scene, achieving double platinum certification for sales exceeding 30,000 units domestically. The sophomore effort, Slow Burning, arrived in 2005 via Mai Music in collaboration with Shock Records and features 11 tracks such as "Roots Music," "Hey Girl," and "Call Right Up." Produced with contributions from , it earned platinum certification in , reflecting strong local commercial success. Say What You're Thinking, the band's third studio album, was released in 2007 on with 11 tracks, including the standout "" and the title track. Distributed internationally, including in , it received gold certification in for over 7,500 units sold. In 2010, Katchafire issued On the Road Again through , a 12-track collection recorded across locations in , , the , and , highlighted by the title track and "Irie." The album peaked at number three on the Albums chart, underscoring the band's growing international appeal. The fifth studio album, Legacy, came out in 2018 on Universal Music in partnership with Zojak Worldwide and includes 12 tracks like "Fyah in the Trenches," "Love Today," and "100." Drawing from global recording sessions, it explores mature themes of perseverance and cultural reflection, continuing the band's foundation with evolved production.

Compilations and Remixes

Katchafire released their first major , Best So Far, in 2013 through , a prominent international label formerly associated with . The album features 16 tracks selected from the band's earlier studio releases, including hits like "Irie," "Love Letter," and "Get Away," serving as a to introduce their music to broader global audiences amid a U.S. tour. This collection highlighted the band's sound and helped solidify their presence in international markets beyond . In 2025, Katchafire announced Revival 2.0, a remixed and remastered reimagining of their 2003 debut album Revival, scheduled for release on January 9, 2026. The project updates the original tracks with modern production techniques, including re-recording elements in collaboration with international artists, to enhance clarity and appeal for contemporary streaming platforms. Lead singles such as "Collie Herb Man (Revival 2.0)," "Done Did It (Revival 2.0)," and "Get Away (Revival 2.0)" were released throughout 2025, showcasing the refreshed while commemorating the album's 25-year legacy as a cornerstone of . Beyond these band-led efforts, Katchafire tracks have appeared on various reggae anthologies, such as : Aotearoa's Tribute to and Hi Grade Ganja Anthems 4, contributing to collective showcases of local roots music without full compilations curated by the band itself.

Notable Singles

Katchafire's notable singles have played a pivotal role in establishing the band as a cornerstone of New Zealand's scene, blending rhythms with socially conscious lyrics that resonate with themes of unity, culture, and everyday life. Their breakthrough tracks from the early 2000s achieved significant commercial success on domestic charts, while recent remixes reflect enduring popularity through digital streaming platforms. These releases highlight the band's evolution from local radio favorites to global reggae influencers. The debut single "," released in 2002 from their album Revival, marked Katchafire's entry into the mainstream, peaking at number 4 on the New Zealand Top 40 charts and spending two months in the Top 10. Certified (15,000 units) after 17 weeks on the charts, it became the third most successful New Zealand single of the year, infusing energy with grooves that captured the band's raw, youthful vibe and propelled their rise in the local music scene. Follow-up "Who You With," also from Revival and released in 2003, reached number 10 on the charts, becoming a radio staple with its laid-back and lyrics evoking casual social bonds and . Its infectious contributed to the album's double-platinum status and helped solidify Katchafire's appeal among urban youth in . "Get Away," released in 2003 from Revival, was another hit single that contributed to the album's commercial success and the band's early recognition in the music scene. In 2025, as part of the remixed and remastered Revival project, Katchafire released "Collie Herb Man (Revival 2.0)" on August 29, serving as a follow-up single that celebrates themes central to heritage, with updated production enhancing its modern flair for contemporary audiences. The "Done Did It (Revival 2.0)," dropped on September 26, reimagines the original track as an upbeat dancefloor , gaining traction on streaming services and underscoring the band's timeless energy ahead of the full album's January 2026 launch. "Get Away (Revival 2.0)," released on October 31, 2025, further updates the classic track for modern audiences. Post-2010 singles like "Irie" from 2010's On the Road Again have seen renewed success through streaming, amassing millions of plays on platforms like and contributing to Katchafire's global fanbase in the roots reggae .

References

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