The Mister South Africa pageant serves as a platform to uplift and mentor men from all walks of life, empowering them to serve as positive role models for younger generations. The 2024 edition, held at Vodacom World Events, showcased this mission in an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and innovative production design. At the heart of this dazzling event was the technical expertise of Son Sound, the official technical supplier, the creative vision of Entertainment & Event Factory as the production company, and a 100% BeamZ Pro lighting rig that brought the event to life.
Tristan Adamson, COO of Son Sound and head of technical production for Mister South Africa 2024, collaborated closely with the event’s production company, Entertainment & Event Factory, and its director, Rex van Deventer, to deliver an unforgettable show. Their shared goal was to move beyond traditional pageant layouts and create a bold, visually captivating experience.
“Our vision for the stage and lighting design was to create something fresh and unexpected, moving away from familiar layouts to deliver a bold and dynamic experience,” said Adamson.
The centrepiece of this innovative design was a series of horizontal LED fingers, which served as the main visual attraction. This striking feature, combined with a meticulously orchestrated lighting setup, set the tone for a high-impact visual narrative. The diamond-shaped stage added to the overall aesthetic, featuring a large portrait LED screen as the focal point, with additional LED screens forming the backdrop and floor. This layout provided an immersive experience for the audience, ensuring their full engagement throughout the evening.
The lighting design played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s atmosphere and visual storytelling. the team achieved a perfect balance of functionality and artistic flair utilized a 100% beamZ Pro rig, which included Ignite 180s, MHL 1915s, and LCB LED Bars. The rig was controlled using an Avolites Tiger Touch lighting desk, which allowed for precision and creativity in execution.
“The lighting design was carefully orchestrated to complement our vision. We crafted an opening sequence designed to impress, using a variety of lighting techniques such as chases, sweeps, and dynamic movements. These effects worked in harmony to dazzle the audience and set the tone for an unforgettable evening,” Adamson explained.
Strategic lighting highlights ensured clear visibility for contestants, MCs, and judges, while beams and aerial effects enhanced the overall ambience. Special attention was given to moments such as judge introductions, where lighting drew the audience’s focus to key figures. Combined with the cutting-edge beamZ Pro rig, these elements created an extraordinary visual experience.
Behind the scenes, Adamson worked closely with the Mister South Africa team to ensure their vision was fully realised. The collaboration with Entertainment & Event Factory extended to every aspect of production design and planning, ensuring seamless execution on the night of the event.
“The LED elements and lighting setup were instrumental in achieving our creative goals,” Adamson added. “The rig’s versatility allowed us to adapt to the demands of the show, ensuring each segment flowed seamlessly and kept the audience captivated.”
Peter Berry, Managing Owner of StageOne, the official distributor of BeamZ Pro lighting in Africa, expressed his delight in witnessing BeamZ Pro lighting play a pivotal role in the production. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see a full BeamZ Pro lighting rig being used to such great effect on a prestigious production like Mister South Africa. The technical and creative team did an outstanding job in designing and executing the show. This event truly showcased the capabilities and versatility of BeamZ Pro fixtures, and we’re proud to support productions that push the boundaries of lighting design in South Africa.”
The success of Mister South Africa 2024 was not only a testament to the contestants and their inspiring stories but also to the technical and creative efforts behind the scenes. Adamson expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating: “We are extremely proud of how we scaled the event and the exceptional results we achieved.”
Looking ahead, Adamson is optimistic about the future of the pageant. “The production plan for next year is already underway, and what we have in store will exceed all expectations. Watch this space—Mr. SA is on the rise. We’re attracting numerous new brands and sponsors who want to get involved, and we’re very optimistic about the future growth of the pageant. Hosted at the iconic Vodacom World of Events, the home of Mr. SA, we look forward to what’s to come.”
Mister South Africa 2024 proved to be a celebration of talent, ambition, and innovation. With its bold stage design, immersive lighting, and seamless execution, the event set a new standard for pageantry in South Africa. Through the collaborative efforts of Son Sound, Entertainment & Event Factory, and the Mister South Africa organization, the production delivered a spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.
