With their socio-political message and musical blend of hip-hop, reggae and Latin American rhythms, Culcha Candela continue to defy easy categorisation.
Formed in Berlin in the early 2000s, the band performs in English, German, Spanish and Patois, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its members.
With more than five million records sold, Culcha Candela performed their first open-air show in Germany of 2026 on May 8th at Sauerlandpark Hemer. Sound reinforcement was provided by Hagen-based production company acoustic NETWORK, deploying a NEXO STM M28 line array system comprising left and right hangs of 12 x STM M28 modules.
Low-frequency reinforcement was provided by three stacks of six STM 118 subwoofers positioned across the front of the stage, each topped with a NEXO P12 loudspeaker serving as a front fill.
On-stage side fill duties were handled by acoustic NETWORK’s newly acquired NEXO Alpha+ system. A single Alpha+ stack on each side of the stage provided precise and consistent coverage, performing a role once famously fulfilled by its illustrious predecessor, the original NEXO Alpha system of the 1990s.
“The new Alpha+ system, which we have already used successfully as a main PA system, impressed us across the board during this production” reports System Engineer Till Hausmann.
“As a side fill solution, it delivers extremely high SPL while maintaining exceptional precision, intelligibility, low-mid impact and low-frequency extension.
“For a high-energy show such as Culcha Candela, featuring numerous vocals, percussion elements and a bass-driven, dynamic stage performance, the system’s even and controlled coverage across the entire stage proved to be a significant advantage.”
“We immediately recognised the heritage of the legendary Alpha and Alpha E systems, which formed an integral part of our inventory for more than 25 years” adds acoustic NETWORK CEO Klaus-Peter Hornung.
“At the same time, Alpha+ offers all the advantages of a modern NEXO solution in terms of sound quality, throw, coverage control and ease of deployment. The system performed flawlessly and proved to be an ideal complement to our long-established STM M28 system.”
About NEXO Alpha+
Three decades after its introduction, original NEXO Alpha systems continue to thrill live music audiences and club-goers around the world with their distinctive power and presence.
Drawing inspiration from this iconic 1990s design, NEXO has created Alpha+, an ultra-powerful, long-throw, three-box FOH system that combines the benefits of line-source coupling with the ease of deployment typically associated with point-source loudspeakers.
Whether stacked on a mid-sized festival stage, installed in a club, or deployed in a theatre where a flown line array is not practical, Alpha+ represents a modern reimagining of the legendary Alpha concept.
About NEXO STM M28
Compact yet exceptionally powerful, the NEXO STM M28 has earned an outstanding reputation both within acoustic NETWORK’s inventory and on tours, events and prestigious fixed installations around the world. Partnering the lightweight and easy-to-rig 2 x 8″ M28 with NEXO’s 1 x 18″ MSUB18 creates a scalable system that delivers thrilling sonic experiences for audiences up to 50 metres in depth while providing an excellent return on investment for rental companies and venue operators.
About acoustic NETWORK
Based in Hagen, Germany, acoustic NETWORK is a full-service provider for professional event technology and live event production. The company offers comprehensive support throughout every project phase, from planning and technical design to on-site implementation and post-event follow-up.
With extensive expertise in audio, lighting, video, staging and event logistics, acoustic NETWORK delivers reliable technical solutions and creates memorable event experiences for audiences across Germany and beyond.
For further information about acoustic NETWORK, please visit: acoustic.de
