This year marks several exciting milestones for Johannesburg-based technical supplier, Murangi Productions. The company is celebrating its 21st anniversary, founder Hendrick Nemalili is turning 50, and to top it off, they’ve just made a major investment in new gear—including a grandMA3 light and 12 ADJ Jolt Panels, all supplied by DWR Distribution. With the future in mind, Hendrick hopes that Robe SVB1 fixtures will follow next.
(Above): Hendrick Nemalili from Murangi Productions (far right) with DWR’s Motlotlo Makhobotloane and Duncan Riley
With a company ethos rooted in treating every event with the dedication and attention it deserves, Murangi Productions has grown significantly, securing large-scale gigs that cater to crowds in the tens of thousands. The new equipment was put straight to work at a high-profile event hosted by Pastor Evelyn Joshua and the Emmanuel TV Team at Johannesburg’s Expo Centre, attended by some 40,000 people. Other highlights have included events for Dr Bakhe Dlamini, the G20 Summit in Polokwane, the Heavyweights Live Concert at Carnival City’s Big Top Arena, Hendrick’s recent 50th Birthday celebration and numerous other major productions.
The grandMA3 light is an upgrade from Murangi’s existing dot2 console and represents a noticeable step up in terms of power and flexibility. “When the opportunity came, we started looking for a new console. Initially, we considered the grandMA3 Compact, but the advice we received was to go bigger,” says Hendrick. “We took that advice, and here we are today—Murangi Productions is very excited to welcome this new baby! The Jolt Panels and Robe SVB1s were additional purchases, but the grandMA3 was the key investment for us.”
The grandMA3 light from MA Lighting is the powerhouse of the range, offering an ideal balance of capability and compactness. It’s designed for all but the most demanding productions and is one of the most versatile lighting consoles available, featuring 60 physical playbacks, 16 assignable X-keys, and a dedicated master area.
For Hendrick, the ADJ Jolt Panels was an easy choice—not just for their value, but for their performance. “I travel a lot and first saw them at a show. The brightness impressed me. They’re rugged, reliable, and versatile—usable both indoors and outdoors. If I had the budget, I would have taken all 32 units. You can use them for eye candy, effects, or even as a main light. Plus, the pixel mapping feature is a big advantage.”
In the pipeline, Hendrick has his eye on purchasing compact and feature-rich Robe SVB1s. “This light is too bright!” he laughs. “Additional units would complement my Robe LEDBeam 350s and 150s—I have 16 of each.”
The sale was coordinated by Motlotlo Makhobotloane (aka Mac) from DWR Distribution, who frequently works with Hendrick. “The grandMA3 has been a long-time dream for Hendrick,” Mac shares. “Turning half a century this year, he wanted to do something meaningful for both himself and his business. It’s been an honour to help make that dream a reality.”
“Thank you very much, Hendrick, for all your support over the years,” added Duncan Riley of DWR. “You’ve grown to deliver some incredible technical productions. I take off my hat to you.”