In a vibrant display of rhythm, unity and youthful energy, 1000+ marimba players from across South Africa and around the world will gather at St. Cyprian’s School, Cape Town, on 15–16 August 2026 for the inaugural Marimba World Championships.
Hosted by Marimba Jam, Guinness World RecordsTM Title Holders for the Largest Marimba Ensemble, the Championships brings together 100+ bands and players of all ages, turning Cape Town into the global home of the marimba for one unforgettable weekend. Musicians are travelling from every corner of South Africa and from countries beyond its borders to compete, connect and share the sound of African music with the world.
Marimba Jam
The visionary behind this event is Kiara Ramklass, founder of Marimba Jam, who has spent more than a decade building an organisation dedicated to spreading the joy of marimba music to schools across the country. The Championships is sponsored by the South African Music Performance Rights Association and hosted in conjunction with Marimba Education Foundation and the National Lotteries Commission. MWC, despite being a competition, seeks to unite people through its theme of Harmony in Diversity, showing that our differences are what define us but also what brings us together.
Held across two streams; the Golden Champs Stream in the Main Hall and the Main World Champs Stream in the Multi-Purpose Hall; the Championships run preliminary rounds throughout both days before building to a spectacular Finale Showcase on the evening of 16 August, where 15 of the finest bands from the competition perform and 4 compete for the title of world champion.The Finale Showcase will also have a performance from Biko’s Manna, the sibling trio from Johannesburg who participated in America’s Got Talent, where they advanced to the quarterfinal stages.
Rooted in Marimba Jam’s mission to use the power of African music to unlock the potential in every child, the Championships are as much a cultural gathering as a contest, offering audiences live performances and the unmistakable, uplifting sound of hundreds of marimbas played in celebration.
Public Invitation
The public is warmly invited to witness history at the inaugural Marimba World Championships. Tickets are available on Webtickets.
Tickets: Here
Venue: St. Cyprian’s School, Cape Town
Dates: 15–16 August 2026
Prelims:
- 15 August 2026, 08:00- 21:00, Main Hall & Multi-Purpose Hall
- 16 August 2026, 08:00- 16:00, Main Hall & Multi-Purpose Hall
Finale Showcase: 16 August 2026, 18:00–21:00, Multi-Purpose Hall
In addition to the band performances, the weekend will include marimba demos, workshops, live leaderboards, photo opportunities, virtual reality experiences, food vendors and chill zones.
Join the celebration and follow the countdown with #marimbaworldchampionships.
For more information, visit www.marimbajam.com
