WE'RE MAKING HISTORY IN 2025-JOIN US
#BIGGESTJAM2025
Be a part of history!
Join 1000 marimba players as we make history in Cape Town and attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest marimba ensemble!
About
Marimba Jam is on a mission to make history by breaking the record for the World’s Largest Marimba Ensemble! 🎶
Following our previous successful attempt in 2018, where 241 incredible women came together to set the record at Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, we’re returning with an even bigger and bolder vision. This year, we aim to gather a diverse group of participants from all walks of life to form a powerful and unified ensemble that will resonate far beyond just breaking a world record.
The 2018 event was not just about playing marimbas; it was a celebration of community, culture, and the strength of women. With participants ranging from young to old, from privileged to disadvantaged backgrounds, it became an unforgettable day of connection and empowerment. The collaboration with local communities, including the inspiring Gogo’s from Khayelitsha and Langa, further emphasized the unifying power of music.
In 2025, we are looking to build on this legacy, bringing together participants from every corner of society to once again show the world the power of music to break barriers, build communities, and inspire change. With the collective energy of everyone involved, this record-breaking event will not only be a celebration of African music but also a tribute to the global spirit of unity and cooperation.
This milestone event promises to be a momentous occasion that will live on in the hearts and minds of all who witness it.
Dates
1 August 2025: Special build-up event at V&A Waterfront
2 August 2025: Official World Record event at GrandWest
3 August 2025: Special performances at V&A Waterfront
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can participate in the event?
Anyone who plays marimba, from beginners to professionals can join! Schools, community groups, and individual musicians are all welcome.
2. Is there an age limit to participate?
No specific age limit, but participants should be able to confidently play their part in the ensemble. We welcome youth, adults, and seniors alike!
3. I’m not from Cape Town. Can I still participate?
Yes! The event is open to all South African marimba players, regardless of location. We encourage participation from across the country, travel arrangements will be up to your group, but we’re happy to help guide you.
4. Can I participate as an individual, or must I be part of a group?
Both options are welcome. While most participants will be in school or community groups, solo marimba players can absolutely sign up.
5. What will participants receive?
Every registered player who takes part in the official attempt will receive a Guinness World Record Gold Medal, plus an unforgettable musical experience!
Band specific questions
1. Will instruments be provided?
No, participants are expected to bring their own marimbas. However, we may assist with connecting schools or individuals to share instruments locally.
2. What happens if we don’t have enough marimbas for all our players?
You can fit up to 3 players on a standard marimba or 4 on an extended one, and players may rotate halfway through the song so everyone plays for an equal amount of time. If you still can’t accommodate all your players, we’ll help place extras on overflow marimbas.
3. What if we don’t have enough mallets for 3 players per marimba?
Each player must have at least one mallet. We’ll have extra mallets available, but you must let us know in advance so we can reserve them for your group.
4. Can we perform or showcase our own music at the event?
Yes! Optional performance slots will be available on 1st and 3rd August at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre to help promote the event and give bands a chance to perform. These are not compulsory — email us to reserve a spot.
We are beyond excited to welcome you to this once-in-a-lifetime event — BIGGEST JAM 2025!
Whether you’re a first-time performer or a seasoned marimba player, your participation is helping make musical history. This event is more than a world record, it’s a celebration of unity, rhythm, and the incredible talent across South Africa.
As we count down the days, we’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, rehearsal clips, and updates, so be sure to follow us on social media and join the movement using #BiggestJam2025!
Let’s make some noise. Let’s make history.
💖Thank you for being part of something unforgettable.
📩 Contact Us
Have a question or need help preparing your band?
Reach out to our team anytime:
Kiara (Event Director)
📧 director@marimbajam.co.za
Marimba Jam Breaks the World Record for the “Largest Marimba Ensemble”
Marimba Jam Breaks the World Record for the “Largest Marimba Ensemble”.
241 women gathered together, making history on Women’s Day. What sounds more powerful than that?
Along with the help of southafrica.co.za, the entire day was a huge success. Marimba Jam ran public workshops, allowing anyone at the shopping centre to enjoy a free, fun-filled activity and feel part of this momentous occassion. Our sponsor, southafrica.co.za aided us in providing T-shirts for every participant on the day, including members of the public who joined for a workshop. Southafrica.co.za also organised for a group of 30 Gogo’s from Khayelitsha and Langa to come and share their stories with us and also partake in the workshops and help us keep the beat during the official world record attempt.
Staying true to our motto, “Finding Harmony in Community”, this event went beyond a record breaking, but provided an opportunity for community- and nation-building. Young women from both privileged and disadvantaged backgrounds were able to come together to break this record, and unite through their passion for marimba and African Music. Hearing the stories from the Gogo’s further emphasised the importance of Women’s Day and the strength that we have when we work together. Having the boundaries broken between these privileged and disadvantaged women really brought an essence of its own to the day, the power emanating from the players was certainly noticeable.
It was an occasion that all who were present will remember for a long time – it’s not often that women can join forces and not only unify a community but break a World Record.
This was such an incredible day! Thank you for sharing the official video. What a fantastic demonstration of how music can unite us- and on Women’s Day too!