In a vibrant showcase of rhythm, unity and cultural pride, South Africa has officially smashed the Guinness World Record™ for the Largest Marimba Ensemble in the world.
A total of 1 178 marimba players from across South Africa and Zimbabwe gathered at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World on Sunday 3 August to perform a 10-minute medley of Waka Waka and Jerusalema – more than doubling the previous record of 505 held by Guatemala.
The event was a collaboration between Cape Town-based non-profit Marimba Jam, and GrandWest, who sponsored the full cost of the production. An official adjudicator from Guinness World Records flew in from London to verify the count and authenticate the attempt.
For Marimba Jam founder Kiara Ramklass, this was more than just a record attempt – it was a powerful statement about South Africa’s potential.
Ubuntu in action
“Our marimbas are tuned in C major – you can’t help but feel happy when you hear them,” she said.
“But this is about more than music. It’s about crossing socio-economic divides. We had private schools, township schools, rural schools – all on one stage. It’s a loud, joyful message of ubuntu.”
Ramklass has spent the past decade championing marimba music as a tool for empowerment and unity.
In 2018, she led 241 girls in an unofficial Women’s Day attempt, but lacked the resources to make it official. Now, with GrandWest backing the event, her dream has finally become reality.
Players ranged in age from 8 to 62, and came from over 70 schools and institutions, representing every province in South Africa and two schools from Zimbabwe. Some teams travelled thousands of kilometres — one group flew in from KwaZulu-Natal right after their matric dance, while others loaded their instruments onto trucks from Durban and Johannesburg.
Despite only meeting on the day of the performance, the ensemble performed flawlessly.
“It was electric,” said GrandWest General Manager Mervyn Naidoo.
“The performers had only just met, yet played in perfect harmony. It was an unforgettable moment in South African music history.”
From early morning marimba demos and djembe drumming workshops to VR booths and live art installations in the Market Hall, the event buzzed with energy. After the official announcement, the celebration continued with a performance from South African band Goodluck, DJs and emcee Carl Wastie.
More than medals
Every participant received a Guinness World Records medallion handed out by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie.
Naidoo added: “When people come together with a shared purpose, incredible things happen. This record belongs to every person who showed up and gave it their all.”
Although different numbers were circulated by various sources, GrandWest confirmed the official figure as 1 178 participants – now etched in the Guinness World RecordsTM books as a proud South African achievement.
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