Sounds Good to Me
BY HEATH McKINNEY, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – I am listening. One of the many roles that I have been given, as part of the crew, is a sound technician for the documentary. It is all very new to me and I am loving it ever so much. It is really amazing how many sounds the human ear can pick up. When I am plugged into the camera it is amplified a hundred fold, the rustling of jeans, the clicking of a pen and the scratching sound of paper are distinct and clear. Amazing!
As a sound tech, I have found myself exploring the natural sounds of Zambia. I was taught just the other night by a member of the cast, Johnphan Mvula how to play the Zambian drum. I am also learning from the people here to speak one of their many native languages. There are about 73 different tribes and seven major languages. I’m learning Nyanja.
I have only just started here and I have heard a beautiful melody of sounds and I can’t wait to hear more.