Fireworks for Africa were commissioned to incorporate awesome pyro effects to create the wow factor. They asked Yeatman to be part of their team for the performances held at the Ostrich Farm in Cape Town and at the Naserec Showgrounds in Johannesburg.
"On the Pyrotechnics side we ran the Avolites Tiger Touch for the control system," explained Yeatman. 12 Channel Red Back Dimmers were used for controllable hot power channels to trigger the CO2 jets and Stadium Shot streamer canons and the 6m flame units come with integrated DMX. "The Avolites allows for a variety of functions and the ease of editing cues and making changes whilst running live I feel is unbeatable."
A lighting designer by trade, Yeatman loved the pyro element of the show "It's completely different and a lot of fun," he says. A large amount of caution is required dealing with high pressure cylinders, flames and explosives. Safety is the highest concern in Pyrotechnics.
A modular radio system is used for the explosive pyrotechnic operation, and it all comes down to planning. "We don't get to rehearse," said Yeatman. "You have to try your hardest to make sure that everything will work first time when you push the FIRE button."
The team at Fireworks for Africa spent three days preparing for the show in their workshop and it took an additional three days to set up at each venue.
There was a Cape Town crew and Johannesburg crew, while a show team flew from venue to venue to be on site for both.
Featured international artists included Tiesto, Alesso, Nicky Romero, Krewella and W&W as well as local heroes Goldfish, Black Coffee, Mi Casa, Euphonik & DJ Fresh.
(Jim Evans)
