HOWIE COMBRINK
"The multi-instrumentalist hails from Johannesburg, an accomplished musician with a knack for collaboration. Having worked on a huge number of projects as a drummer and producer, Howie took the decision to go solo in 2013, and has never looked back.
Receiving three SAMA Award nominations in his home country, Howie Combrink has built a succinct yet varied catalogue, one imbued with strength and vitality.” - CLASH Magazine
Howie Combrink is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalists and music producer based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Having basically grown up in a recording studio has influenced his passion for producing music. This ultimately also lead to the establishment of The Hit Lab, Howie's recording studio located in Jozi.
After many years of being a session drummer and producer in and around the music scene both in South Africa and abroad, 2013 was the year Howie decided to start creating and releasing his original music.
2014 led to a series of significant achievements for him, including two South African Music Award Nominations for 'The Best Newcomer' and 'Best Adult Contemporary Artist’.
Howie was also nominated in September 2015 for two OFM Music Awards for ‘Best Male Artist - South Africa’ and ‘Album Of The Year - South Africa’. Both The SAMA and OFM nominations were for his debut album, ‘Eat It While It's Hot".
Whether it’s singing about South Africa, affairs of the heart or just life, Combrink’s melodic and soulful material is all about good feelings.
After years of touring with his debut album and being part of the multi-platinum selling band, Watershed, Howie collaborated with the non-profit organization RADA on a song called 'Believe'. The song which is about self-belief and appreciation features on RADAs first music album released in 2016, RADA Unearthed Vol.1. The powerful ballad was a nationwide hit in 2017, dominating the South African airwaves and inspiring fans across the globe.
Following 'Believe', Howie released another single called 'Sweet Sunshine', which is an energetic reggae-infused summer track. Both 'Believe' and 'Sweet Sunshine' quickly garnered recognition and had great success on radio, climbing several charts both regionally and nationally.
In 2020 Combrink released 'The City' on the eve of his wedding. The song tells a story about two lovers, committing to a life together and taking on the world. The song is an obvious dedication to his new wife and their life journey together.
Howie took the decision in November 2021, to part ways with Watershed after ten dynamic and exciting years with bandmates, Gideon Botes and Craig Hinds. He intends to pursue a direction that allows him to do more for others, by releasing music as a solo-artist and working closely with RADAwith the aim of empowering the lives of others and making a real difference in the world.
"The decision to leave the band was not an easy one at all, we have such incredible memories together, playing amazing shows and singing many, many great songs in front of fantastic crowds," Combrink comments.
An exciting and thrilling 2022 lies ahead for Combrink, we can look forward to his upcoming single, 'I See You', in collaboration with RADA that forms part of RADA’s third music album, RADA Unearthed Vol.2.
‘I See You’ is an emotive, heartfelt song that offers the kind of reassurance needed in challenging times. The song inspires individuals to embrace life despite what they are going through or what their circumstances are.
Howie’s music is filled with empathy and conviction. ‘I See You’ reveals even more of Combrinks’ artistry as he further cements his growing reputation as one of the strongest contemporary forces in the music industry.