Noosa Gets Its Rhythm on with Drummer Nathaniel Combs

Waikiri-born percussionist Nathaniel Combs, 31, has played with world-famous ensembles such as Les Percussion de Guinea, Les Visage de Guinee, and the prestigious Kaloum Lole during time spent in Guinea, West Africa in 2004.

Now, based on the Sunshine Coast working as an artist with West African percussion group Rhythm Culture, he is getting Noosa locals into rhythm with weekly classes at entertainment venue, The J.

Combs moved to Melbourne in 2002 to further his West African Music studies. Serendipitously, he also met his partner Bec – band manager and mother of their two children. The couple engaged in skilled tuition and both played the djembe (pronounced “jem-bay”) and dun dun (pronounced “doon-doon”).

“When I returned to Australia [in 2004], I completed a master class with Mamady Keita and became actively involved with a number of artists and their groups, both traditional and contemporary,” Combs said.

Rhythm Culture offers regular drumming classes, DRUM SING DANCE programs, team building workshops, disability and youth workshops, performances, Christmas functions, school & holiday programs, wedding entertainment, private tuition and sells a wide range of West African instruments.

Original article by Gail Forrer, Noosa News, October 17, 2014.