Encountering Joseph Ngumi amidst the bustling atmosphere of the stadium, one cannot help but notice his profound dedication to his craft and attention to detail in orchestrating event productions. With a background in Electronics Engineering, he serves as a systems engineer at Live Eye, specializing in Offsite Broadcasting (OB) systems. During the recently concluded Chapa Dimba tournament in Kisumu, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand his work and the expertise he brings to every project.
As he begins his day, he makes sure to check the generators, ensure that the OB van is powered up along with other equipment and gear. He then leads his team on a status briefing meeting to let them know of the work they anticipate doing in the day. Once everyone is aligned to their tasks, they are ready to start of the day. He says that “every minute counts” in his line of work and therefore, knowing your role for the day is critical to remain time conscious.
Joseph Ngugi believes that the success of coordinating an event hinge on valuing each crew member as an integral part of a cohesive unit. For the Chapa Dimba events for instance, his team comprises of eight camera operators, three sound technicians, two assistant engineers, a director, members of the graphics crew, two EVs responsible for playback systems, two live streaming technicians, two drivers, commentators, and riggers tasked with setting up equipment platforms. “Everyone is important for successful execution, that’s why we call it a unit. On average 30 crew for perfect execution” he says.
To prepare for events, he says that it is important to familiarize with the venues before the event day. “If setting up on a new stadium, we have to do a recce visit ahead to know where the set up will be done. However, due to the nature of our job, we are familiar with most stadiums.”
Observing their equipment closely, I couldn’t help but notice its high voltage requirements. Joseph Ngugi explained that they typically utilize 3-phase power and their own generators to mitigate the risks associated with power failures. Actually live broadcasters cannot risk power outages at any point.
Speaking to the risks associated with his work, he recalls some scenarios where working can be challenging. “Some stadiums present challenges due to their limited space, forcing us to adapt to cramped conditions,” he explains. “We also encounter curious onlookers, whom we’re happy to engage with while ensuring they don’t disrupt our work. Additionally, in instances of possible violence during football matches, our equipment is susceptible to damage. Moreover, dealing with difficult weather conditions adds another layer of complexity to our tasks.” He however notes that the task at hand has to be executed and therefore, they always adapt and get innovative solutions for the challenges they experience. One measure is to make sure equipment is always in top notch working condition.
Joseph and his team have covered various events such as golf, cricket, music shows, and more, showcasing their versatility and expertise in live coverage. He notes that even as sports is his favorite event to cover, risk of violence cannot be overlooked, and this could be a worry for the safety of equipment and staff.
When sharing his perspective on Chapa Dimba and its influence on grassroots, regional, and national football development, he expressed admiration for the program. “I am proud of how they have continuously showcased talent and stadiums that we never knew existed, showing people that there is talent everywhere, and that all stadiums, big and small can work to host tournaments.”
