A study of the impact of sound checking in Sungura live performances in Harare

Abstract

Adequate sound reinforcement equipment and expertise to operate the system are vital. This paper looks at preparations by musicians and sound engineers before and during performance events. Live events require ample time to set up equipment and to do sound check to ensure efficiency. Costs for equipment hire force organisers to put little attention to sound check. Sound check enables performers to work and interact with sound engineers. Without sound check sound engineers are unable to effectively deal with problems during performances. The research was qualitative with 40 participants. Four Sungura band managers were randomly sampled. A total of 11 sound engineers were purposively selected and 18 Sungura musicians were chosen with due regards to age (young and old) and experience. Seven patrons were randomly sampled to find their opinions on levels of loudness of sound at performance shows. The study followed the conceptual framework of balanced sound mixes as an industry standard requirement for live performance sound systems. The study shows that; sound check is trivialised yet it makes or breaks live performances. We noted that some Sungura performers and sound engineers were strangers with communication breakdowns on stage. Some musicians performed under the influence of alcohol and that took away their performance. Myriad problems were associated with alcohol and coming late on stage, demanding for high volumes of sound unnecessarily and ending shows abruptly. Certain Sungura musicians openly blamed sound engineers for lack of sound check. Some sound engineers felt that Sungura musicians took all credit although it was a collective effort. Sound checking should be given adequate attention to allow performers and sound engineers to produce balanced sound. Performing musicians and sound engineers should work together in sound checking.