Peter “Picnic” Kachipanga.
THE PICNIC FOH TESTIMONIALS
Tuesday 1 October 2024
Growing up in Harare, I had a burning passion for PA systems. I still do.
Placards written “Disco for hire” were a common sight on gates. This meant ‘PA system for hire.’
This resourcefulness, with mostly DIY speakers and amplifiers made from mostly chip-wood, meant the material was often affected by many disadvantages including being easily socked by water and not being strong material unlike the materials being used now. MFD or super-wood and just ordinary plywood were harder to find for DIY cabinet makers.
Some PA system lovers had units of original brands of point source speakers, amplifiers and analogue mixers, probably imported.
Disco lovers travelled by foot or using public transport to copy custom DIY box or cabinet designs, or get their loose woofers rewound and amplifiers repaired by the best technicians of that era. For example, one from Mufakose would walk to share notes with another in Highfield Suburb. Or from Dzivaresekwa to Kambuzuma or Mabvuku. Whenever we hosted our Talent Show events in Budiriro 2 we would approach mukoma Joe of Sound House (Glen View 4) or King Munya from Alkebulani Sound (Budiriro 2).
The elite had big brands, with stages and trussing, and were capable of hosting large concerts in auditoriums like 7 Arts or stadiums like Rufaro or Gwanzura. Poorer fast-followers got in the industry and rubbed shoulders with those elite. Mukoma Lazie of Stagecon was the first black guy to own a perfectly fitting custom made stage and platform. A documentary was made in honour of one humble business man, Diva Mwale of Divine concert sound as one of the pioneering black PA system owners in this country. Those who used to attend the Annual HIFA (Harare International Festival of Arts) and Chimanimani Arts Festival would recall the HK Cohedra signature.He is simply humble.
HK Projector was also vastly used by the government on its National musical Galas hosted by the Ministry of Information and Publicity. Moreover, prior to the galas there were many local folks like Derby Metcalfe, Rory Kilery, David Davis, Sound Vantastic, etc.
There was Cedric S of Black Giant. He was very innovative with his custom made ground stacks of same-size rectangular bass-bins and tops. He would do stadium events with ease. Famous Technicians like Major worked for Black Giant too. In the 80s An SA musician Jonny Clegg with his band Juluka had tours in Harare and Bulawayo. The fully packed Rufaro stadium had a gigantic PA system placed raised high. The sound was just beautiful.
Fast forward to the 90s when Simba of Simmad Entertainment dominated the entertainment scene. He used to host his events at the now defunct Water World in Harare. His combination of dual 15″Scoops and custom built amplifiers made him a unique force to recon. He is still an active gear owner and music promoter to date.
PA system fanatics like King Munya of Alkebulani Sound still boasted of having big PA system brands. He is now based in UK. He is one pioneer He has an array of different brands of speakers from JBL, RCF, Turbo Sound, Bose and LA Acoustics. He just loves sound systems.
King Alfred of New Generation Sound, now abroad, falls in this category. The likes of the late Jah Bee of Silverstone sound used to have a massive custom built PA system. Im not privy about the likes of Sterio One or Shocking Vybes etc.I
Top DJs became businessmen and PA System owners. The likes of mukoma Joe Hweva aka Dj Dollarbill, the founder of Dollarbill Entertainment.
I marvelled being told that the PA system that was used at Independence at Rufaro Stadium in 1980 was imported for that particular event and someone still has some of the cabinets he bought when the system was later auctioned.
Our politicians used that PA System to address the large crowds and Bob Marley and The Wailers used that system pretty well. The sound was heard from as far as Southerton, Rugare and Mbare. (Before the advent of the line array systems).
Rround 2011 or so Casper, Prince Enos, myself and other friends flocked to the area behind Rainbow Towers hotel in Harare to hear semoms of the acclaimed preacher Joyce Meyer. The gigantic ground-stack of left and right Speakers made a pleasant sound of massive bass-line, attacking mids and highs. Some say it was from South Africa, possibly a 4 or 5 way configuration….The Engineers were all foreigners and excellent professionals.
I salute some few talented and passionate indegenous pioneers who made their DIY speaker cabinets that were used by so many early bands like The Wagon Wheels, Kasongo Brothers, Devera Ngwena Jazz band, Ocean City Band, The Black Spirits,The Bhundu boys, The Hallelujah Chicken Run,The Green Arrows, The Chazezesa, Challengers, Tha Jairos Jiri Band, Illanga, The Five Notes, Harare Mambos, Chibadura Express, The Maxist Brothers, The Blacks Unlimited, The New Black Eagles and so on.
Not all became successful in PA systems and gear sales. Some retired. Others died. A few continue to perfect their craft. I salute household brand owners of Soundcrest Audio Tech, Craft Audio, Metro Systems etc They came very far and recently we saw the awarding of one of Soundcrest line array product at one of the most Premier AV exhibition in Africa called Media Tech in South Africa.
Professional PA system design involves assessing the venue’s acoustics, audience size, choosing suitable speakers, amplifiers and mixers, ensuring proper cable management and signal flow, conducting sound checks and fine tuning adjustments.
In contrast, DIY custom designs often face challenges of insufficient knowledge of acoustics and sound principles. Other challenges are limited resources. The Trial-and-error approach is strenuous.
These guys are bridging the gap. In every suburb there were speaker rewinding guys, technicians and custom cabinet makers. Some of these custom cabinets guys are still active: Tamuka (Kuwadzana Ext.), bro Thomas Changachirere (Highfield), Catfish (Corobrough), Ecco (Dzivaresekwa), Bells (Dzivaresekwa), Joe Highfield, CK (Chitungwiza). There are so many. They all fall into different categories of seniors and juniors.
The Power of Collaboration
End-users, speaker or woofer rewinders, technicians, DIY woodworkers and pro cabinet designers , engineers, and spare part suppliers benefit from complementing each other:
End-users receive quality sound systems from pro manufactures and get eg affordable cabinet repairs from the DIY guys. Technicians and engineers hone their skills and expand their networks. Especially through associations like The Audio Engineering Society of Zimbabwe, founded by a female Sound Engineer called Gloria Saungweme (Highfield).
Woodworkers or cabinet makers and speaker rewinders find consistent clients. Spare part suppliers ensure a steady market.
The PA system industry is vast, and there’s room for everyone. By acknowledging and respecting each other’s expertise, we can, enhance overall sound quality, foster innovation and knowledge sharing, build a stronger and more supportive community. As we navigate economic challenges, let’s remember that “the sky is too big for birds to collide.”
Let’s work together, celebrate our passions and keep the sound of unity alive.
One Mbaki Nleya from Audio Academy launched his new baby, the AV Expo in Harare this year. It got high reviews from local and international experts who came to facilitate the workshops.
I hope next year more exhibitors will jump on board. Mbaki’s love for Sound is also displayed by his periodic online magazine and a series of documentaries he is producing for several people with one of them focusing on one Sound Engineer, Jomo Mhone.
The Importance of PA Systems in Various Gatherings
Moving forward, public Address (PA) systems have become an indispensable component of modern gatherings ensuring that messages, music, and voices are conveyed clearly and effectively to audiences of all sizes. Whether it’s a business seminar, church service, music concert, party, or funeral, a reliable PA system is essential for successful communication.
Benefits of PA Systems.
PA systems provide high-quality audio ensuring every word, note or message is heard clearly by all attendees. Increased engagement, minimising audio distractions and ensuring clear communication.
Modern PA systems offer versatility accommodating various audio sources, microphones and playback. Portable PA systems enable easy setup and transportation, making them ideal for events in diverse locations.
Applications of PA Systems
Business Seminars: Effective communication is crucial for productive meetings and conferences. Church Services: PA systems enhance worship experiences, ensuring congregants hear sermons, hymns and announcements clearly.
Music Concerts: Quality sound systems elevate performances, creating immersive experiences for audiences. Parties and Events: PA systems set the tone for celebrations, ensuring music and announcements are enjoyed by all.
Funerals and Memorials: Clear audio helps honor loved ones, providing comfort and clarity during difficult times.
Key Considerations for Choosing a PA System
Select a system suitable for the audience size and venue acoustics. Ensure the system provides clear, distortion-free sound. My colleagues often laugh at me for my love of small, portable PA systems. This is my personal choice. I always consider lightweight, compact but effective systems for easy transportation…. and almost zero foot print on people’s venues especially for corporates and weddings. Balance quality and affordability to meet your needs.
In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is vital for successful gatherings. PA systems play a critical role in ensuring messages are conveyed clearly and efficiently. By understanding the benefits and applications of PA systems, individuals and organizations can choose the right equipment to enhance their events and foster meaningful connections.
Once again i marvel local competitive brands that you will most likely see whenever there is a gathering here in Zimbabwe.
On ZBC TV in the 90s, there used to be an advert of one Super refined mealie meal brand where one child excells and wins a field event in a filled sports stadium and the mother with a big smile in a doek shouts out loud “Mwana wangu iyeye, haadye chimwe chinhu!! (That is my son! he eats sadza only from this Mealie meal brand!!!)
On this note, i’m very positive that when these local brand owners come across their brands in action, they say “Mwana wangu iyeye…!!! ”
Peter “Picnic” Kachipanga.
PICNIC FOH TESTIMONIALS
