Scribe makes NZ chart history

By REBECCA BARRY

Christchurch-bred hip-hop MC Scribe, real name Malo Luafutu, made history today when he became the first New Zealand artist with a number one single and album on the New Zealand music charts simultaneously.

Scribe's first album, The Crusader, debuted at number one on the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand music charts, alongside his patriotic hard-hitting single Stand Up and its self-touting b-side Not Many, which has bounced around the top three over the past eight weeks.

"I'm pretty overwhelmed," he said, between sips of champagne at the headquarters of the album's distributors, Festival Mushroom Records.

"I had an idea this could happen but I didn't think it was going to. What did I say? I just opened my mouth to the mike. It's unreal."

The album surpassed gold sales figures (7500 copies) on the day of its October 16 release. Within a week it was certified platinum (15,000 copies) and is now approaching almost double platinum status with sales of 25,000.

Association head Terence O'Neill-Joyce said the last time an international artist achieved both a number one single and album was ABBA in 1975.

"It's a huge deal for any New Zealand act to make it to number one on the album charts. Having looked through the our records, this case is unique."

Scribe featured on six tracks of award-winning turntablist P-Money's debut album Big Things in 2001. P-Money produced Scribe's album in return.

Scribe kicks off a five-date national tour on Monday.