This exciting televised lip sync showdown, filmed at Urban Brew Studios in Johannesburg returned for its second season earlier this year, premiering on DStv channel MTV Base.

The set, an adaptation from the international format, was created by Dewet Meyer from JDMUnlimited and divided into three sections – a live commentary box, shared by the two larger-than-life presenters, Pearl Thusi and Nigerian Denrele Edun; the main floor which was reserved for performances and interviews … and a third zone where contestants were seated to observe what they were up against!

“It was a dynamic show needing lots of funky looks to compliment the pacey entertainment, interviews and the contestant bantering in-between” explained Peter.

Each new episode opened with a generic look and Peter holding back on the effects, only adding colour and pulsing moments to the first song of the night. Then, with all-guns-blazing, he steamed in with a selection of hair-raising spectacular lighting effects to complement the massive prop changes as the show heated up!

Event Lighting were the main technical suppliers providing 12 x Pointes, 24 x Spikies and 100 x LED PAR cans, and the rig also incorporated Urban Brew’s in-house rig of 10 x Robe ColorSpot 1200E ATs and 10 x ColorWash 1200E ATs, all rigged from the roof. Twenty-four 2K fresnels were used for generic lighting.

Eighteen Spikies were rigged in the roof grid with a further six positioned on the floor. They provided excellent eye-and-camera-candy, plus a good filler effect helping to make the overall picture look vibrant and interesting.

“Spikies are such fast little units, and being low on power consumption, I can run 24 on a plug if needed!” stated Peter.

After working in the industry for 17 years, Peter still gets a huge kick when running shows and he’s enjoyed being part of Lip Sync Battle Africa for the last two seasons. “I love my job and this industry,” he enthused ... “and I hope to keep doing this for at least the next 17 years!”

Photo Credit: Duncan Riley