CT marimba players hope to break world record for largest ensemble
The event will take place in Cape Town at the Grand West arena, where performers of all ages from all over the country will perform musical items.
The current record is held by Guatemala, sitting at 505 players.
The Marimba Jam group, who is heading the event attempted to break another record in 2018, but the win wasn't recognised due to resource constraints.
CEO of Marimba Jam Kiara Ramklass says they hope this event highlights the importance of music education in schools.
'For many of the kids playing the marimba, this is their way of expressing themselves, a creative outlet at school and we hope that more young people will be inspired to take up music at school because of all the amazing benefits it has.' said Ramklass.
Ramklass said they want to make their win official this time around
'We thought a Guinness world record would be a way for us to take that same energy to a national level and bring together the whole of south Africa in unity to achieve a marimba world record, celebrating our moto, finding harmony in community.' Ramklass added.
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The Herald
05-08-2025
- The Herald
'Something monumental': Marimba players set Guinness World Record in Cape Town
They performed a medley of Waka Waka by Shakira and Jerusalema by Master KG, lasting 8 minutes and 58 seconds. Each musician received an official Guinness World Records medallion marking their contribution to the historic feat. The attempt was spearheaded by NPO Marimba Jam in partnership with GrandWest, which covered the event's costs. Oversight was provided by an adjudicator flown in from London, ensuring the legitimacy of the record-breaking moment. The Guinness World Records website confirmed the new benchmark, saying: 'The ensemble consisted of 1,177 participants and was achieved by Marimba Jam (South Africa) on August 2.' This gathering shattered the previous record of 505 participants set in 2021 by Marimbas por Guate in Guatemala. The ensemble was conducted by Luthando Mzele-Baleni, who described the event as a career highlight. 'What an unforgettable experience to lead such passionate and talented musicians,' he said. DA Western Cape spokesperson on cultural affairs and sport Thomas Walters lauded the initiative, saying the event wasn't just about numbers. 'This day is one of resilience, determination and belief that when communities collaborate they can achieve the impossible. The sound of marimbas ringing out in perfect unison wasn't just a melody; it was a resounding symbol of hope, pride and the power of community,' he said. 'As the final note rang out and the Guinness World Records official adjudicator confirmed the new record, it was clear: South Africa had done something monumental. The marimba ensemble had not only broken a world record but also created a legacy of togetherness, inspiration and joy that will live on for years to come.'
Eyewitness News
03-08-2025
- Eyewitness News
Cape Town marimba players break world record for largest ensemble
READ: CT marimba players hope to break world record for largest ensemble The Marimba Jam group, which headed the event, attempted to break another record in 2018, but that win wasn't recognised due to resource constraints. CEO of Marimba Jam, Kiara Ramklass, said they hoped this event would highlight the importance of music education in schools. 'For many of the kids playing the marimba, this is their way of expressing themselves, a creative outlet at school, and we hope that more young people will be inspired to take up music at school because of all the amazing benefits it has,' said Ramklass. Ramklass said they wanted to make their win official this time around. 'We thought a Guinness World Record would be a way for us to take that same energy to a national level and bring together the whole of South Africa in unity to achieve a marimba world record, celebrating our motto, finding harmony in community,' Ramklass added.
Eyewitness News
02-08-2025
- Eyewitness News
CT marimba players hope to break world record for largest ensemble
CAPE TOWN - On Saturday afternoon, over 1,000 marimba players will take the stage in attempts to break the world record for the largest marimba ensemble. The event will take place in Cape Town at the Grand West arena, where performers of all ages from all over the country will perform musical items. The current record is held by Guatemala, sitting at 505 players. The Marimba Jam group, who is heading the event attempted to break another record in 2018, but the win wasn't recognised due to resource constraints. CEO of Marimba Jam Kiara Ramklass says they hope this event highlights the importance of music education in schools. 'For many of the kids playing the marimba, this is their way of expressing themselves, a creative outlet at school and we hope that more young people will be inspired to take up music at school because of all the amazing benefits it has.' said Ramklass. Ramklass said they want to make their win official this time around 'We thought a Guinness world record would be a way for us to take that same energy to a national level and bring together the whole of south Africa in unity to achieve a marimba world record, celebrating our moto, finding harmony in community.' Ramklass added.
