More than 1000 marimba players from South Africa and around the world are heading to Cape Town for a very big first…
Cape Town, South Africa (07 August 2026) – Cape Town is about to come alive with some serious marimba magic.
On 15 and 16 August, more than 1000 marimba players will descend on St. Cyprian’s School for the first-ever Marimba World Championships, bringing more than 100 bands and players of all ages together for one massive celebration of marimba music.
Musicians are travelling from across South Africa and from beyond the country’s borders to compete, connect and share the sound of African music with the world.
The event is being hosted by Marimba Jam, the Guinness World Records title holders for the Largest Marimba Ensemble.
Behind the championships is Kiara Ramklass, the founder of Marimba Jam, who has spent more than a decade building an organisation that brings the joy of marimba music to schools across South Africa.
The theme of the Marimba World Championships is one we can get behind! Harmony in Diversity aims to show how our differences can bring us together.
There will be two competition streams running across the weekend – the Golden Champs Stream in the Main Hall and the Main World Champs Stream in the Multi-Purpose Hall.
Preliminary rounds will take place throughout both days before things build towards the Finale Showcase on the evening of Sunday, 16 August.
Fifteen of the top bands from the competition will perform at the showcase, with four going head-to-head for the title of world champion.
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How Do We Keep Matric Dances Special Without Making Them So Expensive?There’s South African talent joining the celebrations, too. Biko’s Manna, the Joburg sibling trio who made it through to the quarter-final stages of America’s Got Talent, will also perform during the Finale Showcase.
While there is a world championship title up for grabs, Marimba Jam says the competition forms part of its greater mission to use African music to unlock the potential that exists in every child and bring people together through music.
The public is invited to be part of the inaugural championships, and tickets are available through Webtickets!
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