The Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival, locally also known as the Curacao Jazz Festival, has not only established itself as one of the most important cultural events in the Caribbean, but has also become a growth engine for the entertainment industry in the region. Its impact is not only measured in terms of artistic quality, but also in the professionalization and technological evolution of local companies.
A clear example of this is Massive Productions, the company that has been leading the festival’s sound production for more than a decade and that, thanks to its investment in Meyer Sound sound systems, has made a leap in quality that positions it as a benchmark in the sector.
The North Sea Jazz is recognized as the largest jazz festival in the world. Its first edition was held in Holland in 1976 and had six concert halls, 300 musicians and approximately 9,000 visitors.
In September 2010, the first edition of the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival was held, marking a milestone in the country’s history, with iconic stars such as John Legend, Simply Red, George Benson and Sergio Mendes performing.
The festival, which began on Thursday, August 29 with CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers, continued on August 30 and ended on Friday, August 31, when Colombian Maluma closed the tenth Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival. As usual, the event took place at the World Trade Center facilities located in Piscadera Bay.
Massive Productions: 30 years creating unforgettable experiences
Founded three decades ago, Massive Productions has specialized in the production of corporate events, installations and large-scale live shows. “We are known for our large events, I think it has to do with our name: Massive,” says Jim Lo-A-Njoe, who leads the company together with Jiwan Gonesh. Among the milestones that marked its trajectory are the Festival di Tumba, the Curacao Carnival and, of course, the Curacao Jazz Festival, events that catapulted the company to the top of the industry in the Caribbean.
The commitment to Meyer Sound: an investment that pays off
For more than 20 years, Massive Producciones has trusted Meyer Sound sound systems. “Our relationship began with a call from Juan Carlos Yepes and a demonstration of the Milo system in Orlando. We immediately purchased it and used it at a concert with JLG,” recalls Lo-A-Njoe.
Currently, its inventory includes state-of-the-art equipment such as PANHTER, Milo, 2100-LFC, JM-1P, among others.
For the 2024 edition of the festival, Massive used the innovative Panther and 2100-LFC system on the Sir Duke main stage and the Milo system on the Celia Stage. “Panther is easy to set up and, with the support of the Meyer team, we designed everything in MAPP 3D so that it was virtually plug-and-play,” explains Lo-A-Njoe. This technology not only ensured impeccable sound, but also received praise from sound engineers and musicians, consolidating the festival’s reputation as a global benchmark.
During the installation of the equipment and the development of the Curacao Jazz Festival, Massive Producciones counted on the collaboration of Hugo Arce, Technical Manager of Meyer Sound, who traveled especially to the island from Mexico City, in order to supervise the installation, adjustment and calibration of the Panther system.
Meyer Sound’s innovative development, the PANTHER large-format line array loudspeaker, took to the stage at North Sea Jazz, turning it into a mosaic of genres that transported attendees through different cultures and eras. From classic jazz to contemporary pop, through reggaeton, salsa and soul, music was the universal language that united everyone under the Caribbean sky. Once again, PANTHER demonstrated why it is a technological tool capable of bringing clarity and consistency to a festival full of different musical genres.
PANTHER provided exceptional coverage. No matter where the audience was, everyone heard as if they were right next to the stage. The Festival offers a world-class experience and sound is an important part of that, and Meyer Sound was a determining factor in Curacao’s sound evolution.
Meyer Sound’s impact on the local industry
Investing in high-end equipment like Meyer Sound is not just a technical decision, but a strategic one. Lo-A-Njoe sums it up like this: “Meyer Sound is not just a company, it is a family. The after-sales service and training they offer are unmatched. This investment has opened doors to more work, as it is a system that no one rejects.”
Technical support also played a key role during the festival. Hugo Arce was a fundamental pillar in ensuring that all engineers, both from Massive and of the artists, took full advantage of the system’s capabilities.
A festival that transcends borders
Since its inception in 2010, the Curacao Jazz Festival has brought the island to the international stage, attracting renowned stars such as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and Prince.
This year’s line-up included artists such as Gladys Knight, Gregory Porter, Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony, Seal and Judith Hill.
For Massive Producciones, being part of this event is both a pride and a responsibility. “This year we celebrate our tenth participation. We are always looking to expand, not only in Curacao, but also throughout the Caribbean,” says Lo-A-Njoe.
The combination of PANTHER loudspeakers and Meyer Sound 2100-LFC low-frequency control elements was a perfect solution for the Curacao Jazz Festival. PANTHER’s directivity allowed the sound to be directed towards the audience, while minimizing the sound emissions outside the World Trade Center, thus avoiding interfering with the normal development of the inhabitants near the site.
In an environment where technical excellence is as important as artistic excellence, Massive Producciones and Meyer Sound demonstrate that investment in quality not only raises the standards of an event, but strengthens an entire industry, benefiting local companies, artists and the public who enjoy a unique experience.
