Based: United Kingdom

Michael Lowman. Durban born. Jozi raised. L.A made. Cape Town based.
Michael is far from your regular, run-of-the-mill, schooled and bread musician. His story is different. Something penned straight out of the Hollywood-Underdog playbook. At the not-so-tender age of 17, Michael picked up a guitar for the first time. Songwriting came naturally for this John Mayer inspired guitarist and he soon found himself in Los Angeles, heart firmly pinned and exposed.
Forward three years and you get a 20-year-old Michael Lowman posting videos of himself, up on YouTube, performing some newly written song ideas. It was these fledgling songs that would catch the eye of LOS ANGELES record exec Scott Austin (formerly of Maverick/Warner Bros and Capitol Records). As the head of, at the time, independent record label, Authentik Artists, Austin was focused on recording emerging artists and securing film and TV placements for their songs, and was immediately captivated by Lowman’s sound. Risking everything and completely of his own steam, the brilliantly talented young singer-songwriter made his way over to The United States of America to set in motion a series of events that would, ultimately, kick-start his career in music.
During Michael’s time in The US, he recorded an EP with industry legend, producer Mark Needham (Fleetwood Mac, Chris Isaak and The Killers). Together, with the help of some incredible musicians and expert industry knowledge from Scott Austin, they pieced together a 6 track EP titled ‘In My Own Words’ – this would be Michael’s first ever recording.
The EP went on to do extraordinary things. To date, it has garnered a slew of T.V and FILM placements in the US, Canada and the UK. Many of which are still airing around the world. Perhaps the biggest of these being the use of Michael’s song ‘The One For You’ in a season finale of The Kardashians show ‘Kourtney and Khloe take Miami’ – the episode has since received several million views across the globe, all experiencing Lowman’s husky, tone-filled ballad in accompaniment.
It was these accomplishments, and more, that got the attention of the Major Labels. He decided to come back to South Africa and sign with EMI Music. He calls it Paying His Dues.
Since signing with the Major Label, Michael has exploded onto the South African music scene. He has played nearly every major festival and venue in the country and has had numerous hit singles. He has been nominated for a number of awards, including a SAMA (South African Music Award), an MK Award and an MTV Music Award.
Michael released his debut album, Crayon Boxes, through Universal Music (as a result of the merger with EMI Music) in September of 2013 – the response has been unforgettable. Just like in the US, the single Crayon Boxes was also soon snatched up by Property 24 in South Africa for a campaign, and Michael Lowman soon became a household name.
Not only has he since performed for and supported international stars like Tori Amos and UB40, but he has also shared the stage with African Mega Stars Mafikizolo, when he was asked to open up the 2014 MTV African Music Awards ceremony.
Staying true to his talent and perfectionism, it comes as no surprise that the follow up to Crayon Boxes took Michael no less than 3 years to prepare and release to the world. He is excited to finally set it free, and it is set for release in March 2017, with quite a few surprises in store.
Fans got a sneak peak into the new album, entitled PopRadio, when Michael released the first single from the album in October 2016. The single, called Mixtape and featuring renowned South African singer Karlien van Jaarsveld, was play listed on more than 25 stations nationwide. It charted at #1 on the JacarandaFM Top 20.
There is no denying that Lowman is one of South Africa’s most prized musical talents. It’s only a matter of time before the world starts making their claim.

AWARD NOMINATIONS & MAJOR PERFORMANCES

Nominated for a 2014 South African Music Award (SAMA) for ‘Best Adult Contemporary Album’ (Crayon Boxes – LP)
Nominated for a 2014 MK Award for ‘Best Newcomer’
Nominated for a 2014 MTV Africa Music Award for ‘Best Alternative Act’
Performed with Mafikizolo as the opening act at the 2014 MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS
Opening act for UB40 – with Mano Groove & Freshly Ground (2014)
Opening act for Tori Amos – 4 Show Dates on her South African tour (2014)
Opening act for Passenger – Zoo Lake (2015)
Played venues across California: The Viper Room, House Of Blues, Hotel Café, The Mint…
Played venues across South Africa: Kirstenbosch Gardens, Emmarentia Park, Oppikoppi Festival, Synergy