Nathaniel Combs
Nathaniel Combs
Nathaniel Combs was born in a tiny town called Waikiri in the South Island of New Zealand. At seven years of age Nathaniel began playing percussion, starting out on drum kit and then moving to West African music after being inspired by Epizo Bangoura. In 2002 Nathaniel moved to Melbourne, Australia. Under the tuition of several teachers he became deeply inspired by West African music. In 2004 Nathaniel travelled to Conakry, Guinee in West Africa. Here, he played with world famous ensembles like Les Percussion de Guinea, Les Visage de Guinee, and the prestigious Kaloum Lole. After six months and as many splits and blisters, Nathaniel was dreaming walking and living rhythm!
Returning from Africa, Nathaniel completed a masters class with Mamady Keita and became actively involved with a number of artists and their groups both traditional and contemporary. These included King Marong and Lamine Sonko from Asiko, One Africa and Afro Mandiko, Neda Ramani from Tumbarumba, Salvadore Persico from Blue King Brown, Barawato with Ousmann Sonko, Wassawumba with Mitzi Mcrae and Simon Lewis, Boubacar Gaye, Mady Keita, Aliou Sylla, Nick Rowe Band, Nathan Kaye, Bassidi Koné, Amadou Kaissa, Pataphysics, Combo La Revelacion, Morph Music and Le Phat.
In 2012 Nathaniel moved with his family to the Sunshine Coast and Rhythm Culture their drum and dance business became the primary focus. Nathaniel began teaching and performing all over the Sunshine Coast and quickly established himself. He started classes, did educational workshops in schools, kindergartens and universities as well as team building and community workshops at companies, venues and festivals.
Shortly after re-locating to the Sunshine Coast, Nathaniel joined the Hayden Hack Infusion. He loved the afro vibe and positive messages in the music. The band recorded their debut album and toured extensively around Queensland and New South Wales. The bands style metamorphosed and in the New Year of 2016 they became Highlife with a focus on upbeat positive afro dance music which they call Afro Psych.
Throughout this time Nathaniel has travelled to Mali studying with the renowned Bwazan group and artist, Bassidi Koné. Teaching and facilitating drumming workshops nationally and internationally, hosting several events with renowned artists such as Amadou Kalissa and Naby Bangoura, including a three day camp with artists, Bassidi Koné and Mohamed Bangoura. Nathaniel has been actively engaged with professional and reputable artists all over the world. He will again depart for Mali in January 2018 to continue studying West African rhythms on Djembe, Dundun and Balafon.
Nathaniel Combs
Nathaniel Combs
Nathaniel Combs was born in a tiny town called Waikiri in the South Island of New Zealand. At seven years of age Nathaniel began playing percussion, starting out on drum kit and then moving to West African music after being inspired by Epizo Bangoura. In 2002 Nathaniel moved to Melbourne, Australia. Under the tuition of several teachers he became deeply inspired by West African music. In 2004 Nathaniel travelled to Conakry, Guinee in West Africa. Here, he played with world famous ensembles like Les Percussion de Guinea, Les Visage de Guinee, and the prestigious Kaloum Lole. After six months and as many splits and blisters, Nathaniel was dreaming walking and living rhythm!
Returning from Africa, Nathaniel completed a masters class with Mamady Keita and became actively involved with a number of artists and their groups both traditional and contemporary. These included King Marong and Lamine Sonko from Asiko, One Africa and Afro Mandiko, Neda Ramani from Tumbarumba, Salvadore Persico from Blue King Brown, Barawato with Ousmann Sonko, Wassawumba with Mitzi Mcrae and Simon Lewis, Boubacar Gaye, Mady Keita, Aliou Sylla, Nick Rowe Band, Nathan Kaye, Bassidi Koné, Amadou Kaissa, Pataphysics, Combo La Revelacion, Morph Music and Le Phat.
In 2012 Nathaniel moved with his family to the Sunshine Coast and Rhythm Culture their drum and dance business became the primary focus. Nathaniel began teaching and performing all over the Sunshine Coast and quickly established himself. He started classes, did educational workshops in schools, kindergartens and universities as well as team building and community workshops at companies, venues and festivals.
Shortly after re-locating to the Sunshine Coast, Nathaniel joined the Hayden Hack Infusion. He loved the afro vibe and positive messages in the music. The band recorded their debut album and toured extensively around Queensland and New South Wales. The bands style metamorphosed and in the New Year of 2016 they became Highlife with a focus on upbeat positive afro dance music which they call Afro Psych.
Throughout this time Nathaniel has travelled to Mali studying with the renowned Bwazan group and artist, Bassidi Koné. Teaching and facilitating drumming workshops nationally and internationally, hosting several events with renowned artists such as Amadou Kalissa and Naby Bangoura, including a three day camp with artists, Bassidi Koné and Mohamed Bangoura. Nathaniel has been actively engaged with professional and reputable artists all over the world. He will again depart for Mali in January 2018 to continue studying West African rhythms on Djembe, Dundun and Balafon.
