Mbulelo Msutwana and Phumelela Mthembu (also known as 50c) both hailing from Durban, are seasoned lighting technicians and designers. With a combined experience of over two decades in the entertainment industry, they are thrilled to announce their acquisition of a grandMA3 onPC command wing XT, which was purchased from DWR Distribution.
Mbulelo’s journey in the entertainment industry finds its roots in the inspiration provided by his brother, who regularly took him along to Gearhouse Durban, a technical supply company, to assist with truck unloading. Subsequently, Mbulelo pursued his passion by enrolling in the Gearhouse Academy that set the stage for his illustrious career and the excellent freelance work he does today.
Phumelela, on the other hand, boasts a 15-year tenure in the industry. He embarked on his journey in 2008, also as a trainee at Gearhouse Durban’s Academy. He is a respected individual in his field, taking on the role of a skilled lighting technician, operator, and lighting crew leader.
“I started with MA Lighting’s dot2 and was then introduced to the grandMA2 and the grandMA3, which was the obvious choice to invest in, but money was a problem,” Mbulelo divulges. “Then, the opportunity to work at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar materialized, transforming my dream into a tangible reality. The idea of investing in the console had crossed my mind, and when Phumelela and I had the chance to collaborate once more, as we had done countless times over the years, I recognized that he was the perfect partner for this venture.”
The investment has been a game-changer, and has been hard at work over the past few months. The grandMA3 onPC console solution includes pre-installed onPC software on the built-in MA motherboard. When connecting a touch screen monitor, the operator is able to control 4 096 parameters right on the spot!
The entire team at DWR Distribution is elated to witness the console capable hands and will be a phone call away for technical support. Marlene Riley from DWR adds, “It’s great to see sought-after lighting professionals equipped with the perfect tools to help them to continue mastering their craft. We believe the console will work very hard for them!”
