South Africa aims to break marimba world record with 1100 players

Over 70 Marimba players from KwaZulu-Natal will join participants from around the country in an attempt to set a new Guinness world record of having the largest group of Marimba players assembled and playing together in one place.

A group of South African and Zimbabwean marimba players will gather at the Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town on August 2 to break the current world record of 550.

The aim is to have 1100 players.

The event, under the theme "United in Harmony", will not only attempt to dethrone Guatemala's standing record of 505 players but double it. This will put South Africa on the global stage for a record-breaking celebration of culture, community and music.

The event is expected to bring together players aged eight to 62, from over 70 schools and institutions, representing every province in South Africa. There will also be two schools from Zimbabwe.

Each participant will receive an official Guinness World Records medallion.

Schools participating from KwaZulu-Natal are St John’s D.S.G, Michaelhouse, Durban Preparatory School and Arboretum Primary School.

Kiara Ramklass, founder of Marimba Jam, said that after an unofficial attempt in 2018 they were inspired to try again.

"We have been working hard over the last two years, fundraising, to be able to participate in this event," she said.

In 2018 they gathered 241 girls on Women’s Day to unofficially break Australia's standing record. It was, however, without the official Guinness World Record stamp due to resource constraints.

Ramklass has spent the past decade dedicated to spreading the joy of marimba music to schools across the country.

"We had to raise about R500 000 to cover the cost of hosting the event, entering Guinness and getting an adjudicator from Guinness World Records in London to attend the event.

"We want to get South Africa recognised as a world record-holder. Music is powerful in uniting people. This event is more than just breaking a record. It’s about showing what’s possible when we come together across socio-economic divides. Whether from private schools, township schools or rural schools, all are on one stage. It’s a loud, joyful message of ubuntu," said Ramklass.

She said their motto is finding harmony in communities.

"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," said Ramklass.

At the world record attempt event the ensemble will perform a 10-minute medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema”, both powerful anthems of South African pride and unity.

There will be two fringe events taking place at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre on Friday, August 1 and Sunday, August 3, to further promote the main event.

Michaelhouse head of culture, Dr Carika de Swardt, said the school's competition marimba band was exceptionally popular locally, as well as nationally.

Michaelhouse will be sending 19 boys to the event in Cape Town.

Eight matrics will join the group on Sunday, August 3, to perform in a fringe concert at the V&A Waterfront with five other bands. The group will also perform at La Rochelle Girls High School in Paarl and Herschel Girls School in Cape Town whilst on tour in the Cape.

"Michaelhouse's competition marimba band is a household name that is synonymous with excellence in music, as well as entertainment. They are a highly energetic act that is fascinating to watch, playing music that includes jazz, popular music, classical music, and indigenous music," said De Swardt.

To witness the record attempt the public can purchase tickets on https://www.quicket.co.za/events/326219-marimba-jam-guinness-world-recordstm-title-attempt/

The evening will end with a celebration concert featuring local South African artists.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE