One-stop sound
Vincent Manwa, senior audio technical lead at Sound Creations,
considers the importance of client relationships and satisfaction
in its HOW projects.
SOUND CREATIONS IS A professional AVL and acoustics specialist based in Nairobi, Kenya, and has over 20 years of experience in the house of worship sector, delivering integrated AV solutions to churches, mosques and religious institutions across East Africa. The company’s projects are primarily in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, supported by offices in Kenya and Rwanda.
The company is also the exclusive authorised dealer of several worldwide brands, including Allen & Heath, Biamp, ChamSys, dbTechnologies, NEXO, Shure, Sommer Cable and Yamaha. “We believe that our distribution models set us apart from the rest by offering direct customer sales,” explains Vincent Manwa, senior audio technical lead at Sound Creations. “We also offer reliable and expert shipping partners to ensure goods reach the client in the best time and condition. We pride ourselves on our customer orientation skills, transparency and efficiency.”
Sound Creations has been working alongside Africa distributor PAXT for over 20 years. PAXT identifies and trains technicians, and develops projects directly with systems integrators in sub-Saharan Africa. PAXT business development managers in Kenya and Nigeria identify systems integrators and, with the help of an MEA project manager in Cambridge in the UK, train the SI’s engineers on leading platforms, such as Allen & Heath’s DSP solutions. “In a region impacted by counterfeit products, our relationship with PAXT helps us prioritise authenticity and long-term value over short-term gains,” says Manwa.
“We strive to create one-stop solutions,” he continues. “Our products are selected to ensure absolutely optimum value for money. Our biggest challenge is to balance the quality and price factor. Our aim is to raise standards while remaining affordable for the current buyer. Technology, reliability, durability, ease of use and affordability are all things that we consider while selecting our brands and products.”
Sound Creations begins each project with a site survey and system design using tools such as EASE. Follow-up meetings ensure that client expectations are being met before equipment is ordered and installed. Client training generally takes place over a 1-month period, followed by a comprehensive project handover at the end. “We focus on livering
reliable AV systems that serve both large congregations and smaller worship spaces,” describes Manwa. “We’re always being asked if high-quality sound is possible without extensive acoustic treatment, so we conduct thorough acoustic modelling and design customised systems with precise speaker placement. When needed, we recommend minimal acoustic enhancements to maintain clarity and aesthetics.”
Manwa has seen a noticeable shift to hybrid services and an increased need for streaming infrastructure, remote AV control and contactless solutions in recent years. “We’ve adapted by integrating robust systems that support both in-person and online worship,” he explains. “The need for clear, reliable AV for remote and physical services has highlighted the critical role of high-performance technology in worship environments. With immersive spatial audio that enhances the worship experience and AI-powered tools such as auto-tracking cameras and intelligent mixing systems on the rise, we want to make sure that our solutions are reducing the operational burden on non-technical teams.”
At Burhani Masjid, the largest mosque in Old Town Mombasa in Kenya, Sound Solutions has recently implemented a discreet, high-definition sound system designed for daily prayers and sermon coverage, prioritising clarity and ease of use. The company has also designed, supplied, installed and now maintains the AV systems for the entire CITAM
Church network, which includes 35 churches across Kenya. Each campus operates a robust Allen & Heath control system, with ME personal monitoring and dBTechnologies for public address, ensuring consistent performance across all locations.
“We offer scalable, cost-effective modular systems for smaller congregations right up to full-scale AV integrations for larger cathedrals,” describes Manwa. “Our engineering team ensures each solution is appropriate to the size and acoustic complexity of the venue. With our brand partnerships, participation in AV tradeshows and worship events, plus online content and educational workshops across the region, over 60% of our business comes from referrals, and we hope this reflects strong client satisfaction and ongoing technical support.”
With plans to expand into Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan in the coming months and years, the company is also hoping to increase AV training for church operators, encourage adoption of networked and energy-efficient systems, and strengthen its partnerships with leading AV manufacturers.