24 March 2011
It was a night to remember for the residents of Windhoek…. in fact, three nights to remember when UB 40 came to town from the 26 to 28 February 2011 in aid of the Hope Village Trust for construction of a Hope Village in Rehoboth.
Thousands gathered to hear the iconic reggae sounds of British Band UB40, where dB Audio, with the support of strategic partners, supplied all the sound, lighting, staging and audio visual support for the concerts which also featured Karen Zoid, Elvis Blue, Nadine, Winnie Khumalo, Ludik, Gal Level, Elemotho and Pennilane.
UB40s lighting operation was taken care of by Dave Farmer of THC Design in the UK. THC Design sent through a design which comprised of a front truss on which 6 x Robe 700E AT Washes, 3 x Robe 700E AT Spots and 6 crowd blinders were rigged. On the back truss were 8 x Robe 700E AT Washes (grouped together in two groups of four so that they could be used to emulate ACLs), 7 x Robe 700E AT Spots and LED strip lights for up lighting the custom palm leaf banner that the band tour with.
The lighting console for the festival was a Tiger Tough with Titan v4 installed. It was programmed by Peter Rodda and operated by Asser Kauazunda for the support acts for each night. The desk used for UB40 was a Hog PC 3, with playback and programmer wings.
“On a personal level, it is always great to work in Namibia with dB Audio and their crew,” said Peter Rodda, LD for the event. “ Their dedication to the quality of the show, and the eagerness and attitude of the crew is really refreshing. UB40s lighting designer, Dave Farmer, was very relaxed and easy to work with, while still being critical about the execution of the lighting plot and programming. Working and sharing experience and ideas with internationals always brings new perspectives.”
David Benade of DB Audio was pleased with the final outcome. “Thanks to the support of lighting rental companies Sound Stylists and C&S Audio, as well as Robe distributor DWR Distribution, a challenging three day event due to bad weather turned out to be a huge success,” he said. “Thank you lastly to Stage Audio Works for the amazing assistance on the sound. I know this is a lighting platform, but they assist us tremendously!!”
Hope Village is a non-profit, non-Government organisation devoted to the care and support of all orphans and vulnerable children, who, usually, but not solely, are left behind due to AIDS/HIV related circumstances. Through tapping into several support programmes, Hope Village is dedicated to providing loving care to all underprivileged children in Namibia. 
