Marimba players unite to break world record in South Africa
Marimba players strutted their stuff setting a new Guinness World Records.
Image: Ian Lansberg/Independent Newspapers
More than 1,100 marimba players from South Africa and Zimbabwe gathered at the GrandWest Grand Arena on Saturday, setting a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Marimba Ensemble in the World.
The group of 1,178 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 10-minute medley of "Waka Waka" and "Jerusalema."
The world record attempt was a partnership between NPO Marimba Jam, which brought together all the players, and GrandWest, which covered all the costs. The event had international oversight, with an adjudicator flying in from London.
Kiara Ramklass was overjoyed at the outcome. She said, “South African marimbas are tuned in C major – it’s almost impossible to feel sad when you hear them. They create this magical, happy energy. That’s what we shared with the world on Saturday. The event is more than just breaking a record; it’s about showing what’s possible when we come together across socio-economic divides – private schools, township schools, rural schools – all on one stage. It’s a loud, joyful message of ubuntu.”
For 10 years, she has been introducing marimba music to schools in South Africa, helping students develop a love for this lively art form. Ramklass has spent the past decade building an organisation dedicated to spreading the joy of marimba music. Back in 2018, Marimba Jam gathered 241 girls on Women’s Day to unofficially break Australia’s standing record, but without the official Guinness World Records stamp due to resource constraints. With financial support in hand, it was all systems go.
The vibe at the Grand arena was electrifying.
Image: Ian Landsberg
GrandWest general manager Mervyn Naidoo said, “We are proud and honoured to be associated with this event. The players were exceptional, especially given that the groups met for the first time on Saturday yet performed their routine seamlessly. What an incredible feat! The mood was electric, and the audience loved every moment of it.”
The ensemble included talented musicians aged 8 to 62, representing more than 70 schools and institutions from all provinces of South Africa, along with two schools from Zimbabwe. Some bands travelled significant distances; one team from KwaZulu-Natal flew in just after their matric dance, while others transported their instruments from Durban and Johannesburg.
Each participant received an official Guinness World Records medallion in recognition of their contribution to this historic achievement.
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