Hout Bay's Kronendal Music Academy marimba ensemble, with their teacher, Keketso Bolofo.
Image: Supplied
Hout Bay's Kronendal Music Academy's Marimba Ensemble was on board to help break the Guinness World Record, with 1,178 Players at Grand Arena on Saturday, August 2.
The marimba ensemble was led by their teacher, Keketso Bolofo, who joined performers from across South Africa and Zimbabwe to form a band of 1 178 marimba players — the largest marimba ensemble ever staged.
This landmark performance at the Grand Arena officially set a new Guinness World Record, surpassing the previous record in Guatemala in 2021 by 683 performers.
KMA CEO, Dwyn Griesel, said the record-breaking event demonstrated "extraordinary coordination, stamina, and musicality" as the ensemble delivered a powerful programme that celebrated youth, cultural heritage, and regional collaboration.
“We are immensely proud of our students, teachers, and supporters, whose hard work and collaboration made history. This record reflects the values of the entire KMA family and of the communities across Southern Africa who champion music education and cultural expression.” Ms Griesel said.
KMA is a non-profit organisation based in Hout Bay that provides music education to young people in Hout Bay. Through ensemble work, individual instruction, and performance opportunities, the academy nurtures talent, discipline, and confidence while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.
A Guinness World Records adjudicator from London, UK, confirmed that the performance, which featured a ten-minute performance of Waka Waka and Jerusalema, met all criteria for the record, recognising the ensemble’s performance quality.
A student said: “We practiced enthusiastically, and to perform with so many fellow musicians from across the region felt like the world was listening. This is for our families, our community, and the music we love.”
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