Stay up to date with the latest happenings in the live events and technical production industry. From product launches and training sessions to behind-the-scenes stories and project highlights, our news section is where you’ll find it all.
Get the scoop on what’s new at DWR, follow our journey with industry partners, and discover the people and moments that make our community so unique. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, information, or innovation — this is the place to be.
The RdmNode from Visual Prodctions
RdmNode 4-port eDMX converter The RdmNode is a 4-port eDMX node designed to seamlessly convert Art-Net and sACN into DMX-512 and vice versa. Its compact DIN Rail form factor makes it an excellent choice for system integration and architectural lighting projects. A jack-of-all-trades for DMX data conversion This versatile device
Robe Takes a Walk in The Park
Production lighting for the vibrant and diverse Park Stage at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival was once again supplied by Bristol, UK-based SWG Events. A design by Mat Spencer – also Chief LX for the project – which included nearly 70 Robe moving lights, helped deliver great lighting for a blistering
The new Absen iCon X V2 Series
Exciting News from Absen! The wait is over — the iCon X V2 Series is now officially launched worldwide! The next evolution in professional LED display technology has arrived. Designed for modern meeting rooms and high-end applications, the iCon X V2 Series delivers: • All-in-one integration • Unrivalled visual clarity • Significantly enhanced performance Engineered for excellence, the iCon X V2 sets a new benchmark in LED display innovation. Upgrade your display experience today. Learn more: https://www.absen.com/product/x-v2-series/ #Absen #Absenled #AbseniConXV2 #LEDDisplay #DisplaySolutions #VisualExperience #ProductLaunch #dwrdistribution #itsallaboutthepeople Save As PDF
FENIX training in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town!
DWR Distribution is excited to welcome the wonderful Alex Bryan from FENIX Stage to South Africa! Alex will be hosting hands-on training sessions covering everything from product introductions to loading capacities, safety, maintenance, and more. The training takes place in Johannesburg on 14 August, in Durban on 19 August and ends
Visit the Clear-Com Roadshow in Cape Town & Johannesburg!
DWR Distribution invites you to the Clear-Com Roadshow with Clear-Com’s John Sparrow and Samer Mouwanes and DWR’s Kyle Robson, where the latest communication solutions will be showcased. From advanced beltpacks and headsets to reliable cabling and connectivity, explore the tools that bring clarity, control, and confidence to every production. Join
SpiNode 4-port SPI converter from Visual Productions
The SpiNode is a 4-port SPI controller engineered to effortlessly translate Art-Net and sACN into SPI, bridging the gap between lighting control and pixel-mapped installations. Designed for versatility, the SpiNode supports all major SPI chip protocols ensuring compatibility with virtually any LED fixture or custom rig. Additionally, its compact DIN
KLANG provides Immersive Clarity for Ballimaaraan
Ballimaaraan is a band whose performance style is a genre in itself, and musical storytelling is key. Led by creative powerhouse Piyush Mishra, their style moves fluidly between spoken word, rock, folk and theatrical performances. For Piyush Joshi, KLANG has transformed his approach, becoming essential for every artist he works
Robe LedPOINTE Hits it Off in the UK
Robe’s new LedPOINTE moving light is blazing a trail of interest across the UK market with rental and production companies investing in, and lighting designers and show operators loving this bright, versatile contemporary and – obviously – more sustainable version of Robe’s legendary original Pointe! (Above): Courtesy Firebird Events
Lightpower Group builds new headquarters
The family-run Lightpower Group unites national and international sales companies in the field of professional stage lighting. And they have been doing so for more than 45 years. In addition to Lightpower GmbH, which distributes an exclusive brand portfolio in Germany and Austria, the company MA Lighting International operates worldwide
CT Middle East makes Another Large Robe Investment
Creative Technology Middle East (CTME) has made a huge investment in new lighting equipment. This follows another substantial Robe purchase earlier in 2024. The Robe numbers on this one are 60 x iFORTES, 60 x iFORTE LTXs, 8 x IFORTE LTX FS Cameras, 80 x iTetra2 battens, 100 x LEDBeam
L-Acoustics L2D Arrays Solve 40-Metre Coverage Challenge at Spain’s Baluarte Congress Palace
Teatro Baluarte’s 1,600-seat main auditorium presented a classic audio challenge: achieving consistent coverage across 40 metres of depth without delay systems, while accommodating programming that ranges from classical orchestras to contemporary rock concerts. The venue’s reverberant acoustics and requirement for clean stage presentation – essential for flamenco and classical performances
Acoustics L Series Solves Multi-Stage Live Audio Challenge at changeNOW Event
changeNOW, Europe’s most impactful sustainability summit, presents an audio engineer’s ultimate challenge: twenty simultaneous performance zones operating across Paris’s iconic—and iconically reverberant—Grand Palais. The three-day event hosts 40,000 attendees from 140 countries in a unique format that combines international conferences with live artistic performances. Six main stages plus fourteen additional
Robe Brings on the Sunshine for Carnival Cruises
A new Robe moving light rig has been installed in the 800-capacity ‘Liquid Lounge’ main theatre space aboard the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship, which stages a host of large-scale production shows, themed performances, and other entertainment events. This was undertaken during an extensive refurbishment of the vessel whilst in dry
Have a look at the new KioscTouch2 by Visual Productions
8″ Wall-mount Touch Screen KioscTouch2 is a wall-mount touch screen providing an intuitive front-end for lighting control systems, with extensive personalisation options. Seamless Control KioscTouch2 offers a vibrant 8” touch screen with high-resolution visuals and a smooth, responsive interface. Kiosc Touch features: – Landscape and portrait mode – Multiple control
Gearhouse Splitbeam Keeps All Options Open with Robe
Johannesburg-based theatrical lighting rental specialist Splitbeam – part of the Gearhouse South Africa Group – has invested in new Robe ESPRITE Fresnels and Tetra2 moving lights to help service its busy, vibrant, and varied client base. The 48 x ESPRITES were purchased with the HCF (High Colour Fidelity) LED engines
Creative Kilowatt brings Pro Absen LED Screen, MPT Towers and Chainmaster to Bloem
(Above): DWR Distribution’s Dylan Jones with Creative Kilowatt’s Stefan van Biljon and JP Schroeder. Bloemfontein-based technical supplier Creative Kilowatt stepped up the city’s event tech game with the purchase of 120 Absen NT3.9 outdoor LED panels — the first of their kind in the region — along with four
ROA Hits a High Note with New Robe Fixtures
Grupo ROA is a busy and creative event production supplier and equipment rental company based in Zinacantepec just west of the city of Toluca in Mexico State, Mexico. The company is run by the charismatic, proactive entrepreneur and music enthusiast Rodolfo Oropeza, who runs several related companies and businesses located
Murangi Productions upgrade with grandMA3 and ADJ
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
RCF Hybrid Online Training, Cape Town
Cape Town technicians looking to enhance their audio skills are invited to join RCF Training held at DWR Distribution, Cape Town. The training, presented by Jaco Beukes and Kyle Freemantle, will be streamed live from Johannesburg, with on-site support provided by trainer Juan Jansen van Vuuren. The course runs on
Robe Rocks For People
The Rock For People music festival celebrated its 30th anniversary in style with an impressive 5-day event, an all-star lineup and an expanded capacity of 50,000 which saw a fully sold-out audience flock to the Park 360 site in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic – a former military airfield dating back
Astera Certified Mastery Class, Cape Town
Join Johnny Scholtz for the Astera Certified Mastery Class on 5 August, from 9 AM to 5 PM at DWR Distribution, Cape Town. This intensive 8-hour training session will equip you with the skills to maximize Astera’s features in the full range. The Certified Mastery Class includes product, AsteraApp,
RCF Training, JHB
Enhance your audio skills with RCF Training, presented by Jaco Beukes and Kyle Freemantle at DWR Distribution, Johannesburg. The course takes place on 30 and 31 July from 9am to 5pm—starting with theory on day one and offering hands-on insight and training on day two. Designed for sound specialists, technicians,
DWR Distribution Appointed as Official Epson Distributor in South Africa
DWR Distribution is delighted to announce its appointment as the official Epson distributor for South Africa. The agreement was finalised in June, following a visit to DWR’s offices by Epson’s Lee Harrison and Darren Caithness. To further strengthen the support DWR provides to both the system integration market and the
Cape Town lights up with Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat!
South African Lighting Designer Oliver Hauser first saw Joseph in 2017, and he recalls leaving the theatre humming its melodies long after the final curtain. The spirited score and choreography, intertwined with themes of hope and forgiveness, struck a chord. Eight years later, he had the opportunity to light the
Robe Adds Some Magic to Circlassica Show
The popular Circlassica show returned to Madrid for the 2024-2025 season staged in the iconic IFEMA Madrid big white tent, with a new edition, Circlassica, la historia mundial continúa (Circlassica, the world story continues),produced by Productores de Sonrisas and lit by Juanjo Llorens who once again sprinkled some of his illuminative magic
L-Acoustics Drive Training, JHB
Master the configuration, control, and monitoring of an L-Acoustics system from the source output to the loudspeaker inputs at the L-Acoustics Drive Training presented by Richard Smith on 17 July from 9am to 5pm at DWR Distribution. Delegates wanting to participate are required to have L-Acoustics certification: System & Workflow or System
L-Acoustics Soundvision Training, JHB
You are invited to join Richard Smith from DWR Distribution for L-Acoustics Soundvision Training. Delegates will discover the most advanced L-Acoustics software functionalities for 3D venue modelling, system simulation, and line source optimization. The course will be held on 16 July from 9am to 5pm at our offices in Johannesburg.
A Thousand and One: Luminex lights up the festival season
Riyadh, June 12, 2025 – With summer just around the corner, it’s time for Luminex to shine. A few weeks ago, we proudly kicked off the festival season at the inaugural edition of ‘A Thousand and One’, Riyadh’s newest large-scale music festival in Saudi Arabia. Across five distinct stages, Qafilah, Sahaab, Bizar Bazar,
RoboSpot Training, Johannesburg
DWR Distribution takes pleasure in inviting you to a RoboSpot FollowSpot System training session presented by Jaques Pretorius on 9 July from 9 am to 5 pm in Johannesburg. Jaques will instruct you how to set up the RoboSpot system, pair it with the latest in lighting LED technology
South African freelancer Tiaan Gilomee invests in first grandMA3 console
(Pictured above): Tiaan Gillomee of PRDGY Group with DWR’S Duncan Riley and Callan van Zyl. Johannesburg, South Africa – Tiaan Gillomee, a dedicated South African freelancer lighting designer of PRDGY Group, has proudly taken delivery of his first-ever lighting console – a grandMA3 from DWR Distribution – marking a
ETC upgrade at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban
The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal has upgraded its ageing Tungsten Fresnels to ETC Source Four LED engines and has invested in Fresnel Adapters to provide soft beam lighting suitable for any stage configuration. The new fixtures were used for the first time in the production of
Almaty Theatre enjoys Kazakhstan’s first DiGiCo Quantum 338 T
Almaty Theatre is a gem in Kazakhstan. Well-known for excellence in performance, the venue has undergone many technological enhancements over the last few years, including the recent purchase of a brand-new DiGiCo Quantum 338 T, installed by Samat show technic LLP. The theatre’s nightly performances are not limited to a
Anolis at Pasino Grand Partouche, France
The French municipality of La Tour-de-Salvagny has a brand new Anolis lighting installation on the unique, eye-catching roundabout in front of the Pasino Grand Partouche entertainment complex. Formerly known as Casino Lyon Vert, Pasino Grand is a flagship establishment of the Partouche Group. As part of its overall energy optimisation
SHU Amsterdam Creates a Premium Nightlife Experience in an Urban Setting with Refined L-Acoustics Sound Design
Audio Solvation delivers versatile X Series system to balance high energy atmosphere with residential neighbourhood sound management AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – June 2025 – A new addition to Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife, SHU has quickly established itself as the city’s premier destination for sophisticated evening entertainment. The exclusive, guest-list-only venue transitions nightly
Robe Taps into Lady Gaga Mayhem at Coachella
Lady Gaga is an artist who excels at delivering unique, ambitious visual live extravaganzas that engage the eyes, brain and heart in an intricate mix of drama, high-impact dance moves and energising music, and this year’s acclaimed Coachella headliner slot took this art to new levels. Her two-hour performance complete
MilanAVB takes gold!
As a longstanding contributing member of the AVNU Alliance for MilanAVB, a standards-based network protocol for ProAV, and provider of MilanAVB-compatible and certified GigaCore switches, @Luminex was proud to see Milan recognized once again with a Best of Show Award at InfoComm Show. Congratulations to all members of this hardworking
Artscape Theatre invests in the future with Robert Juliat LED followspots from DWR Distribution
(Above: Personnel photo Left to right): Shayna Gleave (Production manager), Roy Hoffman (Artscape Lighting Technician), Sidney Savage (Artscape Lighting Technician), Johnny Scholtz (DWR), Patrick Manicom (DWR), Monique Bowes (Artscape Stage Manager), Faheem Bardien (Artscape Head of Lighting), Liam Cooksen (Artscape Head of Sound). Cape Town, South Africa’s long-established, premiere theatre
Robe SVOPATTS for Amadeus Awards Event
Vienna’s Marx Halle bristled with excitement for the 2025 Amadeus Austrian Music Awards, a BIG and super glamorous night out for the Austrian music industry, staged by IFPI Austria, to recognise outstanding achievements by Austrian artists and musicians. No less standing out than the occasion itself was an eye-catching production
La Villette Transforms Historic Space into Immersive Audio Experience for Diverse Performances with L-Acoustics L-ISA Hyperreal Immersive Sound
Meeting the growing demand for spatial audio live events, Paris cultural landmark upgrades with eco-conscious L Series line source arrays and L-ISA technology by B Live PARIS, France – May 2025 – In the northeast corner of Paris, the sprawling 55-hectare Parc de la Villette has evolved into one of
Hippotizer MX Series packs a punch for WrestleMania
Paradise, NV, USA – Green Hippo’s new Hippotizer MX Series Media Servers were out in force for this year’s WWE WrestleMania spectacular, pumping out 4K live action and pre-made content across a wealth of LED screens and strips. Eight Hippotizer Kasai MX Media Servers – which are distributed
Pure Event Gear invests in Prolyte Verto and ChainMaster motors
Pierre Griffioen from Pure Event Gear has been in the technical rental business for over three decades. While he’s worked across sound, lighting, audio, and LED display panels, it’s rigging, trussing, and motors that have always made his heart beat a little faster. With this passion in mind, Pierre has
ROXX Open Day – Hope to see you there!
DWR Distribution is delighted to welcome Thorsten Sattler from ROXX to South Africa! You are invited to meet him and view the ROXX range at DWR Distribution on Wednesday, 25 June, any time between 10 am to 4pm. Experience firsthand the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the ROXX
Astera for Porsche Macan Electric Reveal
Sean Shay, creative director at Sound Image, a Clair Global Brand, reached for Astera Hyperion and Titan Tubes to help imagine a spectacular and dramatic piece of light art highlighting a ‘hero car’ for the launch of the Porsche Macan Electric car presented by Porsche San Francisco at their showroom
We Will Rock You Denmark pushes DiGiCo hardware to the max with unique mix programming technique
The We Will Rock You musical is a massive worldwide success and, since opening in London in 2002, numerous versions have been staged in every corner of the globe. For the most recent version in Denmark, sound designer and Head of Sound, Magnus Hansen, has made full use the
ADJ’s Vizi Beam CMY Creates Dazzling Aerial Effects for NachtCollege in Tilburg
48 of ADJ’s new Vizi Beam CMY automated luminaires were used to fill the Poppodium 013 concert venue in Tilburg, the Netherlands, with a myriad of intense beams for a recent dance event hosted by promoter NachtCollege. The extensive feature set offered by these dedicated beam fixtures – including CMY
grandMA3 User Training, Durban
Durban, Save the Date! Join us for a three-day grandMA3 User Training Workshop hosted by DWR Distribution’s Jaques Pretorius and Michael Taylor-Broderick, running from 18 to 20 June, daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The workshop will take place at the Vineyard Church in Morningside, Durban — a big thank you to
Muziekgieterij Enjoys the Robe Vibes
Muziekgieterij is a lively music hub in the southern Netherlands city of Maastricht with two live performance spaces that showcase a vibrant and varied artist lineup featuring all genres of music. Other music-related facilities at the site include a studio and rehearsal rooms. The 1100-capacity large hall and 420-person small
Innibos 2024: Unforgettable Lighting and Sound Experience
The Innibos National Arts Festival always has a special charm, and the 2024 edition was no exception. Held from June 27 to 30 in the Lowveld (Mbombela), it featured vibrant markets with homemade goods, stunning art, captivating books, engaging drama, and incredible music. MGG was once again chosen by
Anolis for Prestige City of Dijon Lighting Installation
Over 200 Anolis Calumma S and XS and Eminere Remote 1, 2, 3 and 4 LED lighting fixtures were specified for an eye-catching new architectural lighting installation at the Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne (Town Hall) in Dijon, France. The project was titled “Les reflets de l’Or”
Astera launches QuikPunch Luminaire
May 27, 2025, Munich, Germany – Wireless LED lighting manufacturer Astera launches QuikPunch, the latest in its innovative ‘Quik’ series, which started with the QuikSpot launched at the end of 2024. QuikPunch delivers precise, high-quality light via its fresnel lens, featuring a 13º – 60º zoom, with no stray
Robe Rocks at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025
Robe was thrilled to be an official technical partner of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, where lighting designer Tim Routledge and his team, together with London UK-based lighting supplier Neg Earth Lights, helped deliver a truly outstanding production for the world’s largest live music broadcast event, staged this year at