South Africa and Zimbabwe unite for a Guinness World Record attempt with 1,000 marimba players
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In a remarkable celebration of unity and rhythm, more than 1,000 marimba players from South Africa and Zimbabwe will converge at the GrandWest Grand Arena on Saturday, 2 August 2025, aiming to secure a Guinness World Records™ title for the Largest Marimba Ensemble in the World. The event, themed "United in Harmony", promises to be a spectacular demonstration of cultural richness and youthful spirit as it seeks to surpass Guatemala's existing record of 505 players.
The visionary behind this ambitious initiative is Kiara Ramklass, the founder of Marimba Jam. Over the past decade, she has dedicated her efforts to introducing marimba music to schools throughout South Africa, igniting a passion for this vibrant art form.
"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're sharing with the world on the 2nd of August," said Kiara, recalling the moment she fell in love with the marimba 18 years ago during her school days.
The anticipated ensemble will bring together talented musicians aged between 8 and 62, representing over 70 schools and institutions from all provinces of South Africa, alongside two schools from Zimbabwe. Some marimba bands are travelling considerable distances, with one team from KwaZulu-Natal flying in just after their matric dance, while others are loading their instruments onto trucks from Durban and Johannesburg to partake in this history-making event.
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This is not Marimba Jam's first attempt to break a world record. Back in 2018, they gathered 241 girls on Women's Day in a bid to unofficially surpass Australia's previous tally. However, due to resource constraints, they could not secure the official recognition from Guinness World Records. Now, with the support of international oversight and an adjudicator flying in from London, their dream is within reach.
"This event is more than just breaking a record," Kiara said.
"It's about showcasing what's possible when we unite across socio-economic divides – private schools, township schools, rural schools – all on one stage. It's a loud, joyful message of ubuntu."
The ensemble plans to perform a captivating ten-minute medley featuring culturally significant anthems 'Waka Waka' and 'Jerusalema', embodying South Africa's spirit of pride and unity. These beloved songs carry a rich cultural history that resonates with themes of togetherness and resilience, further enriching the event's purpose.
The public is invited to join this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Tickets are available for purchase through Quicket, with doors opening at 4pm and the record attempt scheduled for 5.30pm. The event will culminate in a celebratory concert featuring local South African artists, alongside a plethora of engaging activities including live performances, marimba demonstrations, djembe drumming workshops, art installations, photo booths, and virtual reality experiences.
As participants gather to attempt a world record, each will receive an official Guinness World Records™ medallion in recognition of their contribution to this historic moment. Join the excitement leading up to this monumental occasion using the hashtag #BiggestJam2025. For further information, please visit www.marimbajam.co.za.
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