1178 Marimba Players Smash World Record at GrandWest

Guinness World Records™ title unites schools, provinces and nations in a celebration of music, Ubuntu and South African pride

In a spectacular display of unity, rhythm, and youthful energy, 1178 marimba players from across South Africa and Zimbabwe gathered at GrandWest to set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the Largest Marimba Ensemble in the World.

The group didn’t just beat the previous record — they obliterated it. Guatemala’s record of 505 players was more than doubled, firmly placing South Africa on the global stage for a record‑breaking celebration of culture, community, and music.

For the official record, the massive ensemble performed a 10‑minute medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema” — songs synonymous with African unity and joy.

A Decade in the Making

The record attempt was spearheaded by Marimba Jam, an NPO dedicated to spreading the joy of marimba music, in partnership with GrandWest, who funded the event. Official Guinness adjudicators flew in from London to oversee proceedings.

Marimba Jam founder Kiara Ramklass was ecstatic about the achievement:

“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. But this was about more than 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’s journey towards this moment began in 2018, when Marimba Jam unofficially gathered 241 girls on Women’s Day to beat Australia’s record. Without the resources to certify the attempt at the time, the official title remained out of reach — until now.

A Grand Stage for a Historic Moment

GrandWest General Manager Mervyn Naidoo praised the extraordinary collaboration:

“The players were exceptional, especially considering they met for the first time on the day of the performance. The atmosphere was electric — the moment the announcement was made, everyone jumped for joy. It was unforgettable.”

From early morning, GrandWest was alive with energy as over 70 schools and institutions arrived — representing every South African province and two schools from Zimbabwe.

Participants ranged in age from eight to 62 years old, with some travelling thousands of kilometres. One KwaZulu‑Natal band flew in right after their matric dance, while others hauled marimbas by truck from Durban and Johannesburg.

Dignitaries, Medals and Music

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Ricardo Mackenzie, MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, personally congratulated participants during the medal ceremony, where each received an official Guinness World Records™ medallion.

The celebration continued with MC Carl Wastie, a live performance from Goodluck, DJ sets, live art installations, djembe drumming workshops, photo booths, and virtual reality experiences in GrandWest’s Market Hall.