The Academy of Sound Engineering (ASE) recently welcomed back one of its proud alumni, Thabo Damari, Senior Broadcast Engineer at Primedia Broadcasting, for an inspiring session with our current students.

With headphones on and passion ignited early in life, Thabo shared his journey from humble beginnings as a radio logger to leading complex broadcast operations at top stations like 702, 947, and CapeTalk. His visit brought real-world insight into broadcast engineering, emphasizing resilience, consistency, and the importance of mastering both technical theory and practical execution.

Thabo encouraged students to embrace every opportunity—even unexpected ones—and to keep up with evolving technologies like Audio over IP and Livewire. He stressed that while ASE lays the foundation, success comes through persistence, continuous learning, and a proactive mindset.

His story is a testament to how ASE empowers students to grow from curious creators to industry leaders.

Setting up a performance stage requires strategic planning, technical know-how, and attention to detail to ensure a smooth and safe show. From choosing the right venue to managing acoustics and lighting, each step plays a vital role in creating an engaging audience experience.

The article outlines ten key steps, including stage design, sound and lighting setup, safety checks, and rehearsals to ensure everything runs seamlessly on the day. Whether for concerts, conferences, or festivals, following these guidelines helps organisers deliver professional, high-impact events.

5FM has partnered with the Academy of Sound Engineering (ASE) to launch a live show skills development initiative focused on empowering young South African talent. The programme offers ASE students hands-on experience in live broadcasting, content creation, and the inner workings of professional radio through 5FM’s platforms.

This collaboration bridges the gap between academic training and real-world media experience, preparing students for careers in the entertainment industry. By combining 5FM’s national influence with ASE’s educational excellence, the initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of skilled media professionals.

The Academy of Sound Engineering is pleased to confirm the renewal of our valued partnership with the SAMPRA Fund for the 2025 academic year. Through this collaboration, The SAMPRA Fund will once again be sponsoring bursaries to support full-time students pursuing studies in sound and music.

These bursaries, awarded based on academic performance and financial need, underscore our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of audio professionals. ASE looks forward to another year of helping talented students achieve their educational and career goals through this meaningful support.