admin
A good number of people were convinced that indeed Zimbabweans had come of age and now have state-of-the-art PA systems, stage and lighting befitting such special occasions.
This was in line with this year’s Independence theme: “Indigenisation, Empowerment for Social and Economic Transformation”.
So powerful was the PA system and the lighting that it gave a feel of an international concert akin to those staged by big bands like U2, Bon Jovi, Coldplay and others.
Although at first the electricity supply almost dampened the merry mood, the organisers led by Major Anywhere Mutambudzi, quickly moved in and brought a powerful generator to power the heavy PA system and stage lights.
At one point Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu complained that the electricity was not enough to power the concert and he made sure everything went smoothly when they hired a bigger generator, which belongs to Emmanuel Makandiwa’s United Family International Church.
The generator lit up the stage while the PA system supplied by Hardsounds Pro Audio was up to scratch.
According to Ephraim Tateyiwa of Hardsounds, the Uhuru Concert produced special sound effects after they combined their two of PA systems.
“We wanted to prove that we have the state-of-the-art PA systems in Zimbabwe. For the stage sound, we had what we call craft audio LX series system for artistes to hear crystal clear sound. For the crowd we had the throw-over for those who were far from the stage while the sound crest was for close range sound.
“However, to ensure everything went smoothly, we had two sound engineers — Pacival Mukuchura, who worked with Lucky Jojo and Maxwell Gokwa as well as Takawira,” Rateyiwa said.
He said Hardsounds Pro Audio will continue to transform the sound at national galas by providing quality sound.
The colourful stage by Stage-Con, which was first unveiled at Judgment Night at the National Stadium, gave performing artistes enough room to do what they know best.
The blinding lights, comprising UVs, spotlights and laser lights were provided by L&L Productions, who have done most stages for State functions.
Online Reporter