1178 Marimba Players Break World Record

In a bold display of unity, rhythm and youthful joy 1178 marimba players from across South Africa and Zimbabwe came together at GrandWest to conquer the Guinness World Records 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 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 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 yesterday. But this 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.”

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. But with financial support in hand, it was all systems go.

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 yesterday, for the first time, yet performed their routine seamlessly. What an incredible feat. The mood was electrical and the audience loved every moment of it.

“From 10am yesterday morning when the schools and marimba bands began arriving there was an energy that flowed across the complex. The moment the players moved into the Arena at lunchtime for the official head count the excitement really began to build up. The audience was silent during the performance but everyone, including the players, literally jumped for joy and screamed when it was over, and the official announcement was made.”

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. Marimba bands travelled thousands of kilometres, with one team from KZN flying in just after their matric dance, and others loading their marimbas onto trucks from Durban and Johannesburg.

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.