How Howie Combrink would most like to be remembered

THIS week we feature musician, singersongwriter, businessman, and drummer Howie Combrink.

Combrink is best known for his stint as drummer for renowned South African rock band Watershed.

During his time with the band and as a solo artist, he has shared a stage with acts such as Roxette, James, The Parlotones, Prime Circle, Jeremy Loop and Fokofpolisiekar.

Combrink has played festivals from Lush and Splashy Fen to Parklife and the OFM Sound of your Life in Concert.

He has been nominated for several South African Music Awards.

Combrink also runs the Hit Lab, an audio recording and videography/ photography studio in Joburg.

Recently he joined forces with Rada, a non-profit organisation, with his new track, drawing attention to abuse and human trafficking.

I See You,

You are able to collaborate with any SA artist on a track. Who do you choose?

I’d like to collaborate with my good friend Selaelo Selota. I was lucky enough to engineer and mix his latest album, and working with him showed me what a true professional is.

The meal that most reminds you of your childhood is … ?

There’s a certain very South African stew my mom makes that always reminds me of home.

You are able to take on any SA celeb in a charity 12-round boxing match. Who do you choose?

It would have to be a fight in good faith and all for charity, and I’d probably say my friend Bongi Archi. Bongi and I have come a long way and it would be a good laugh, but I would definitely have to get training for it.

You are stuck in an elevator with President Cyril Ramaphosa. What’s the first question you ask him?

I’d ask if he had any guarantee that those responsible for the misappropriation of relief funds in the arts sector would ever be held accountable, and whether the artists would ever get what was allocated to them. I’d ask him to explain that and not shift accountability, as he is our president and the artists of South Africa deserve an answer to this issue that ruined many artists’ lives in the lockdown.

The one thing that has captured your attention on social media in the last week is … ?

I was shocked to see that the Joe Rogan Podcast overtook every other media platform show with the most views per episode sitting at around 11 million. It blew my mind to an extent.

What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I was playing a small show in East London and I was busy with a piano ballad. When I got up from the piano to move to the front mic to sing the next song with my guitar, I started singing to an empty mic stand with no mic on it. I’d forgotten to take the mic from the piano due to us not having any extra mics for the show. At least the audience had a good laugh.

What would you like to be remembered for … ?

For the music I’ve written and will continue writing, and for the difference we’re making with Rada.