Katchafire Joins Nz Music 'Chart Avalanche'

Katchafire Joins Nz Music 'Chart Avalanche'

Reggae act Katchafire has scored the highest debut for any single in the New Zealand charts this week, coming in at number eight with their most successful radio hit to date, 'Get Away'.

This is the third top 10 hit from Katchafire's debut album 'Revival' which remains at number 20 in the album charts after 12 weeks - one of six local albums currently in the NZ top 20.

Mai Music label head Victor Stent says 'Revival' has now sold over 10,000 units and is well on the way to platinum sales status.

"There's a Kiwi single still at number one and outselling everything else, there's five local tracks in the New Zealand top 10, and Kiwi singles made up 36 per cent of total single sales in the country last week.

"Our local music scene just keeps getting healthier and we're delighted to be a part of that."

Katchafire's new single was released commercially just last week and features two versions of 'Get Away' plus three exclusive live tracks - 'Bounce', 'Who You With' and 'Redemption Song' recorded during the ZM Live Lounge series in NZ Music Month.

Bass player Ara Adams-Tamatea says the group is indebted to its many supporters including the iwi radio network as well as the performance venues.

"Mad respect must go out to all those people who continuously come and watch Katchafire perform every week," says Ara. "You guys are the reason for our success - we share this with you and everyone who loves reggae music."

Katchafire hosts its East Coast album release parties in Gisborne and Tokomaru Bay this Friday and Saturday night (5-6/9/03) followed by gigs in Dargaville, Kaitaia and Horeke the following weekend and Papakura's Roadhouse on September 20.

The band will then perform at an invite-only concert to celebrate the launch of Mai FM 97.8 in Whangarei on Saturday, September 27.

Later this year, Katchafire will make their first inroads into Australia with a tour planned in support of their first single release in that country.

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