1,178 marimba players from across South Africa and Zimbabwe came together at GrandWest to take over the Guinness World RecordsTM Title for the Largest Marimba Ensemble in the World.

They not only dethroned Guatemala’s record of 505 players but more than doubled it, putting South Africa firmly on the global stage for a record-breaking celebration of culture, community and music. For the official record, the players performed a ten-minute medley of Waka Waka and Jerusalema.

The event brought together players aged eight to 62, from over 70 schools and institutions, representing every province in South Africa and two schools from Zimbabwe.

The world record attempt was a partnership between NPO Marimba Jam, who brought together all the players, and GrandWest, who covered all the costs. The event had international oversight with an adjudicator flying in from London.

Marimba Jam’s founder, Kiara Ramklass, said that the event was more than just breaking a record, but it was about showing what’s possible when people come together across socio-economic divides – private schools, township schools, rural schools – all on one stage.

Kiara has spent the past decade building an organisation dedicated to spreading the joy of marimba music.

Premier Alan Winde and Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, were at the event to personally congratulate all of the participants at the medal ceremony, where they each received an official Guinness World RecordsTM medallion.

The audience was then treated to banter from MC Carl Wastie and a live performance from South African band Goodluck and various DJs. Earlier in the morning a range of live art installations, marimba demos, djembe drumming workshops, photo booths, and virtual reality experiences were hosted at GrandWest’s Market Hall.

Website: marimbajam.co.za | suninternational.com/grandwest
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