Marimba players in world record quest

Gallery Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Eight children from Kids' Kingdom School in Mossel Bay will be part of a bid to break a world marimba-playing record in Cape Town on 2 August.

The aim is to have more than 1 000 people on a stage, playing marimbas simultaneously.

The official attempt to set the new Guinness World Record will take place at the GrandWest Arena.

The song to be played is a combination of Waka Waka and Jerusalema.

See a gallery here: Marimba players in world record quest

Waka Waka, sung by Shakira, with South African band Freshlyground, was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and Jerusalema by South African DJ and record producer Master KG, features the singer, Nomcebo.

Medallion

Should a new world record be set, each participating Kids' Kingdom learner will receive an official Guinness World Record medallion in recognition of their achievement.

Georgia Argyropoulos, the owner of the school, said: "Kids' Kingdom Pre- and Primary School is proud to be part of this historic event.

"We will be travelling to Cape Town with eight learners as well as their music teacher, Zelia le Roux.

"This opportunity didn’t happen by chance; it is the result of a deeplyheld commitment that every learner from Grade R to Grade 7 be given the chance to learn and perform in their age group’s marimba band.

Winning

"That has resulted in our winning A++ ratings year after year at the International Eisteddfod and now it has led us to this incredible milestone."

See a video below:

Le Roux's passion for marimba is palpable.

Whenever Kids' Kingdom performs, her face is a picture of concentration, commitment and delight.

She is extremely absorbed and animated during performances.

She says: "I studied piano and violin at the University of Stellenbosch.

"My journey with the marimba, however, is a deeply personal one.

"I am self taught and from the moment I was introduced to the instrument, it became my absolute passion.

"In 2018, I began offering music lessons at Kids’ Kingdom. What started as a small programme for Grade R and Grade 1 learners has grown tremendously."

The eight marimba players are (back) Quentin Stander, Alunamda Boyce, Hayley Strydom, Jodene Ellis, Kadey Stander, (front) Meleah Anthony, Oluthando Andries and Nyakallow Mabena.