Arboretum Primary School’s Siyadlala Marimba Band has made musical history after joining over 1,100 performers in setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest marimba ensemble. The event, held at GrandWest’s Grand Arena in Cape Town, brought together musicians aged eight to 62 from across South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The ambitious record-breaking attempt was spearheaded by Marimba Jam, a non-profit organisation led by founder Kiara Ramklass, and funded entirely by GrandWest. An official adjudicator from London was present to certify the record.
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One song, one beat, one record
To qualify for the Guinness World Record, all 1,177 players performed a synchronised 10-minute medley of Waka Waka and Jerusalema. Coordination was essential, with musicians relying on visual cues from a conductor wearing white gloves and a network of drummers spaced throughout the arena to help keep time.
Corné Wagener, coach and director of the Siyadlala Marimba Band, described the immense challenge of synchronising such a large ensemble. “For the left side to play at the same time as the right side was a huge challenge,” she said. “Eventually, they spread out drummers through the hall to help everyone keep to the beat.”
Wagener travelled from Richards Bay to Cape Town with her husband, Henk, and 21 pupils from Arboretum Primary. Despite arriving late the previous night and standing for hours during rehearsals and the main performance, the group’s energy and excitement never faltered. “As we finished the last note, they fired streamers and confetti from above,” she said. “It was tears and joy. I don’t think even winning the lotto comes close to that feeling.”
A celebration of unity and joy
Each participant received a medallion from Guinness World Records, commemorating their involvement in a feat that eclipsed the previous record of 505 players, held by Marimbas por Guate in Guatemala since 2021.
Ramklass, whose vision brought the project to life, described the occasion as more than a record attempt. “South African marimbas are tuned in C major – it’s almost impossible to feel sad when you hear them,” she said. “They create this magical, happy energy. That’s what we shared with the world. This event was about unity, Ubuntu, and showing what’s possible when we come together across socio-economic divides.”
A performance to remember
The ensemble brought together 75 marimba bands from across the country, with two schools from Zimbabwe also taking part. Groups rehearsed for weeks ahead of the event, using video tutorials created by Ramklass to ensure they all performed the same piece in perfect harmony.
GrandWest general manager Mervyn Naidoo praised the professionalism and talent on display. “The players were exceptional, especially considering most had never met before the day of the performance,” he told IOL. “The mood was electric, and the audience loved every moment.”
With their medley still echoing in their ears and Guinness World Record medallions in hand, South Africa’s young marimba players have not only made history but also reminded the world of the unifying power of music.
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Featured Image: Facebook | Marimba Jam
