Setting a new Guinness World Record, the Siyadlala Marimba Band from Arboretum Primary School in Richards Bay joined over 1,100 marimba players on Saturday at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town for the Largest Marimba Ensemble.

The world record attempt was a partnership between NPO Marimba Jam, which brought together all the players, and GrandWest, which covered all the costs. The event had international oversight, with an adjudicator flying in from London.

For the official record, the players performed a 10-minute medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema”.

Musicians aged 8 to 62, representing all South African provinces, and two schools from Zimbabwe, comprised the talented ensemble.

Each participant received an official Guinness World Records medallion.

Marimbas por Guate (Guatemala) held the record for the largest marimba ensemble, with 505 participants, achieved on December 11, 2021, at Finca el Pilar, San Juan Sacatepéquez, Guatemala. 

Corné Wagener is the coach, organiser, CEO, and director of the Siyadlala Marimba Band, where she trains, teaches, and accompanies the band.

Kiara Ramklass, founder of Marimba Jam, initiated the event, which led to the inclusion of Siyadlala Marimba Band.

“I just think it’s an absolutely amazing accolade for South Africa,” Wagener said. 

She said 75 different bands came from all over. 

Along with Wagener were her husband, Henk, and 21 pupils from Arboretum Primary School.

Wagener said Ramklass had to send them the music via video. 

“She (Ramklass) made a recording where they all played the song and had different people record the separate parts. That was sent out because that was one of the stipulations to qualify for the record: everyone has to play the same thing at the same time,” Wagener explained. 

“We had to practise and then play with the videos to make sure that we all do the same thing.”

Wagener further explained that there was a guy ahead. He had white gloves on, so you could see from a distance what he was showing. 

Wagener said GrandWest Arena is huge, and they had to play together. 

“For the left side to play at the same time as the right side was a huge challenge. I think that was even a bigger challenge than actually learning the music because they eventually had to put different drummers and spread them throughout the hall. And so they kept time, then it started to become easier to keep to the beat,” Wagener said. 

“The record was set at 1,177 players,” Wagener said. 

Looking back, Wagener said, they had travelled from far and arrived late the previous evening. They were exhausted, stood for two-and-a-half hours to practise, had a 15-minute break, and then stood again for the record event. They were exhausted. 

“As we finished the last note, they fired those streamers and confetti guns, and they fell from the sky, on us,” Wagener said. 

“I don’t think in my life I’ve ever experienced such an exhilarating feeling. It was just incredible. It was tears and joy. I don’t think even winning the lotto comes close to that feeling.” 

Wagener said that made one forget they were tired; their feet and arms were sore after playing. 

Ramklass was overjoyed with the outcome. She said: “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 shared with the world on Saturday. The event is more than just breaking a record; it’s about showing what’s possible when we come together across socio-economic divides – private schools, township schools, rural schools – all on one stage. It’s a loud, joyful message of Ubuntu,” Ramklaas said. 

GrandWest general manager Mervyn Naidoo said: “We are proud and honoured to be associated with this event. The players were exceptional, especially given that the groups met for the first time on Saturday, yet performed their routine seamlessly. What an incredible feat! The mood was electric, and the audience loved every moment of it.”

Additional reporting from the Cape Argus.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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