Kiwi Reggae Band Makes Good In North America
The Band Katchafire, all the way from Hamilton New Zealand, got their name from Bob Marley’s album “Catch a Fire”. Bob was the inspiration for this band even before it’s formation in mid 1997.
A household name in New Zealand, Katchafire has ridden the unexpecting wave of reggae popularity in Kiwiland:
Indeed—since the ’70s, New Zealand reggae has had a number of well-regarded bands, such as the legendary Herbs and Twelve Tribes of Israel. Within the Maori community, Marley’s appearance fanned the flames of a burgeoning Rastafarian movement that reached full blaze in the ’80s. It’s this rich history that Katchafire founder, drummer Jordan Bell, tapped into in 1997, when he recruited his son Logan and a handful of fellow players to form the band.
Though the group began as a Bob Marley tribute band, the members quickly began writing their own material, drawing deep upon early ska and reggae and giving it a breezy, modern flair. Within a few years—and after an auspicious break on a TV talent show that led to a recording deal—the band became one of New Zealand’s biggest acts, going from playing tiny nightclubs to large venues in short order. Logan Bell says that the transition from cover band to New Zealand phenomenon was remarkably smooth.
Katcha fire has been touring North America recently to expand their audience and tap into a growing resurgence of reggae popularity. The song “Love Letter” (below) has a particular following. It is clearly influenced by the Wailers and Eddie Grant among others.
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