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Technical issues blamed for Hill's performance

5 Apr 2012

espAfrika says that technical challenges were the cause of the sound issues experienced during the first half of Lauryn Hill's performance at this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival on 31 March 2012. It also stated that it was unfortunate that some people left the building before the sound improved.

"We are upset that Hill's performance was troubled by technical issues and that the audience only got to experience her sensational talent half way through her set," says Rashid Lombard, festival director and CEO of espAfrika.

The technical issues were a result of an equipment malfunction that resulted in Hill's sound check settings being deleted. As soon as this was realized Hill's technical team worked rapidly to correct the problem.

Equipment met specifications

"Modern sound equipment is unfortunately not immune to accident and misfortune. The equipment provided by espAfrika met all the technical specifications requested by Hill's technical team, however, an unfortunate equipment error resulted in the first half of her set being overshadowed by poor sound. The sound did however improve and the audience eventually got to experience a superb show," says Lombard.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is one of the rare productions where the festival directors and technical teams have clear technical guidelines to ensure the best possible sound. Fortunately no other artists experienced sound issues.