CAPE TOWN – In a spectacular fusion of rhythm, unity and celebration, 1 178 marimba players from South Africa and Zimbabwe came together at GrandWest to officially smash the Guinness World RecordsTM title for the Largest Marimba Ensemble.
The mass performance more than doubled the previous record of 505 held by Guatemala, firmly placing South Africa on the global map. For the attempt, the marimba players performed a joyful 10-minute medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema”.
Marimba Jam
The record-breaking event was organised by Marimba Jam, an NPO led by founder Kiara Ramklass, in partnership with GrandWest, who funded the entire event. An official Guinness adjudicator flew in from London to verify the attempt.
“This was about more than music,” said Ramklass. “It was a celebration of unity – township schools, private schools, rural schools – all on one stage. It’s a loud, joyful message of ubuntu.”
Players aged 8 to 62 from over 70 schools and institutions – representing every province in South Africa and two schools from Zimbabwe – took part. Some travelled from as far as KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, hauling marimbas on trucks and planes.
Unforgettable moment
Premier Alan Winde and MEC Ricardo Mackenzie attended the event to personally hand out Guinness medallions to each participant. After the official announcement, the crowd erupted into cheers, with MC Carl Wastie, band Goodluck, DJs, and interactive art experiences closing off the celebration.
GrandWest’s General Manager, Mervyn Naidoo, summed up the atmosphere: “It was electric. The players only met that morning, yet performed seamlessly. A truly unforgettable moment in South African music history.”
Although the City and other sources have circulated various numbers, GrandWest has confirmed the official figure as 1178 participants.
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