South African Musicians Set to Break Guinness World Record with Largest Marimba Ensemble

Key Points

• Historic Event: Over 1,100 marimba musicians from South Africa and Zimbabwe are set to attempt breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest marimba ensemble on August 2, 2025, in Cape Town.
• Community Focus: The event, themed “United in Harmony,” brings together musicians aged 8 to 62 from all nine South African provinces and two Zimbabwean schools, highlighting the power of music to unite diverse communities.
• Cultural Celebration: Organized by Marimba Jam, the event celebrates African musical heritage through a 10-minute medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema.”
• Verified Information: The event’s authenticity is confirmed by multiple reputable sources, ensuring the accuracy of the details.
• Inspirational Impact: The initiative, led by Kiara Ramklass, aims to promote music education and cultural pride, potentially inspiring similar community-driven musical efforts.

Overview

On August 2, 2025, Cape Town’s Grand Arena at GrandWest will host a remarkable gathering of over 1,100 marimba musicians aiming to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest marimba ensemble. This event, organized by Marimba Jam, a social enterprise dedicated to music education, is likely to be a vibrant celebration of African music and community spirit. Musicians from across South Africa and Zimbabwe will perform together, showcasing the unifying power of the marimba, a traditional African instrument known for its joyful sound.

Why It Matters

This record attempt is more than a pursuit of a title; it seems to embody the spirit of unity and cultural pride. By involving participants from diverse backgrounds, the event highlights how music can bridge gaps across age, region, and socio-economic status. It also underscores the importance of music education, particularly in underprivileged communities, where access to such opportunities is often limited.

What to Expect

The musicians, ranging from young children to seniors, will perform a 10-minute medley of popular songs “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema.” Additional festivities, including live art, drumming workshops, and interactive demonstrations, are expected to make this a memorable community event. Each participant will receive a Guinness World Records medallion, marking their role in this historic moment.

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Introduction

In a historic display of musical unity, over 1,100 marimba musicians from South Africa and Zimbabwe are preparing to converge on Cape Town’s Grand Arena at GrandWest on August 2, 2025. Their ambitious goal is to shatter the current Guinness World Record for the largest marimba ensemble, a title held by Guatemala with 505 players. Themed “United in Harmony,” this event promises to be a vibrant celebration of African music, community spirit, and the boundless potential of musicians young and old. Organized by Marimba Jam, a pioneering social enterprise, this record attempt is set to place South Africa firmly on the global stage as a beacon of cultural pride and musical talent.

The event brings together participants from all nine provinces of South Africa and two schools in Zimbabwe, ranging in age from 8 to 62. This diverse assembly underscores the universal appeal of marimba music and its ability to bridge generational and geographical divides. With meticulous planning and a shared passion for music, these musicians are poised to create a moment that will resonate far beyond the record books.

Background on Marimba Jam and Kiara Ramklass

At the heart of this monumental event is Kiara Ramklass, the visionary founder of Marimba Jam. In 2012, at just 16 years old, Kiara recognized the stark disparities in music education between privileged and underprivileged schools in South Africa. Motivated to make a difference, she launched Marimba Jam as a community outreach project, starting with a week-long workshop for 10 girls from Zimasa Secondary School in Langa, Cape Town. What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving social enterprise that provides marimba lessons to hundreds of students and creates employment opportunities for over 70 university students and graduates as part-time teachers and performers.

Marimba Jam’s mission is to democratize access to music education through the marimba, an instrument deeply rooted in African culture. By offering lessons, workshops, and performances, the organization fosters not only musical skills but also personal development, teamwork, and cultural appreciation. Kiara’s dedication has earned her significant recognition, including the Amy Biehl “Spirit of Youth” Award in 2012 and a place among the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2023. Her leadership has positioned Marimba Jam as a leader in music education and social entrepreneurship in South Africa.

Key Achievements of Marimba Jam	Details
Students Trained	Over 1,200 schoolchildren in the past five years
Current Weekly Reach	450 learners
Employment Created	6 full-time staff, 35 part-time staff, over 70 university students and graduates
Awards	Amy Biehl “Spirit of Youth” Award (2012), Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans (2023)

Details of the Event

The “Biggest Jam 2025” is set to be a spectacular showcase of sound and community. On August 2, the Grand Arena at GrandWest will come alive with the harmonious tones of over 1,100 marimbas played in unison. The ensemble, drawn from over 70 schools and institutions, will perform a 10-minute medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema,” two songs that have become anthems of African musical heritage. These pieces were chosen for their universal appeal and ability to capture the vibrant energy of the marimba.

Organizing an event of this scale requires meticulous planning. Each musician is required to bring their own marimba, though Marimba Jam has arranged assistance for those needing to share instruments locally. Participants must also have at least one mallet, with extras available upon request. The event is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, reflecting its inclusive ethos. Schools, community groups, and individual musicians from across South Africa and Zimbabwe have rallied together, some traveling from as far as Johannesburg and Durban to participate.

Beyond the record attempt, the event will feature a range of activities to engage attendees and celebrate African culture. On August 1, a build-up event at the V&A Waterfront will set the stage, followed by additional performances on August 3. These festivities include live art installations, interactive marimba demonstrations, djembe drumming workshops, photo booths, and virtual reality experiences, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. The event will also feature performances by notable acts such as Goodluck, adding to the celebratory mood.

Each registered participant will receive an official Guinness World Records medallion, a tangible memento of their contribution to this historic achievement. An international adjudicator from Guinness World Records will be present to ensure the attempt meets the organization’s rigorous standards, marking a significant step up from Marimba Jam’s unofficial record attempt in 2018, when 241 girls performed on Women’s Day.

Event Details	Information
Event Name	Biggest Jam 2025
Date	August 2, 2025 (Main Event); August 1 & 3, 2025 (Additional Events)
Location	Grand Arena at GrandWest, Cape Town (Main Event); V&A Waterfront (Additional Events)
Participants	Over 1,100 musicians, aged 8–62, from all nine South African provinces and two Zimbabwean schools
Performance	10-minute medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema”
Current Record	505 players (Guatemala)
Organizer	Marimba Jam, founded by Kiara Ramklass
Additional Activities	Live art, djembe workshops, interactive demonstrations, photo booths, virtual reality experiences

Significance of Marimba Music

The marimba is a cornerstone of African musical tradition, with roots tracing back centuries across the continent. In South Africa and Zimbabwe, it is cherished for its rich, resonant sound, produced by striking wooden keys with mallets. Often crafted from local materials like the Mutondo tree in South Africa, the marimba is integral to ceremonies, celebrations, and storytelling, embodying the spirit of community and joy.

In educational settings, the marimba is a powerful tool for teaching rhythm, coordination, and teamwork. Its accessibility—no prior musical knowledge is required—makes it ideal for engaging young learners. Marimba Jam has leveraged this potential to empower students, particularly in underprivileged communities, providing them with a creative outlet and a sense of identity. The instrument’s uplifting sound, often tuned in C major, creates what Kiara Ramklass describes as a “magical, happy energy,” making it a perfect medium for fostering cultural and social harmony.

The “United in Harmony” theme of the event reflects the marimba’s role in uniting diverse groups. By bringing together musicians from different regions, ages, and backgrounds, the record attempt celebrates the resilience and vibrancy of African culture while promoting the preservation of traditional art forms in a modern context.

Voices of the Event

Kiara Ramklass, the driving force behind the event, shared her enthusiasm: “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 August 2.” Her passion for music as a tool for social change is evident in her decade-long commitment to Marimba Jam.

The event builds on Marimba Jam’s previous successes, notably an unofficial record attempt in 2018, where 241 girls performed on Women’s Day. This time, with an official Guinness World Records adjudicator present, the achievement will be formally recognized, marking a significant milestone for both the organization and the South African music community. The inclusion of Zimbabwean schools further emphasizes the event’s regional impact, fostering cross-border collaboration and celebrating shared musical heritage.

Conclusion

As anticipation builds for August 2, 2025, the “Biggest Jam 2025” stands as a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire. This Guinness World Record attempt is not just about surpassing a numerical benchmark; it’s about celebrating the talent, diversity, and unity of the South African and Zimbabwean musician communities. Through the efforts of Marimba Jam and the dedication of its participants, this event will leave a lasting legacy, encouraging future generations to embrace and preserve the rich musical heritage of Africa.

For those eager to learn more or support this initiative, visit Marimba Jam’s website for details on how to get involved or follow the event’s progress.