Find Harmony.
in our story
We believe music has the power to unlock the potential within every child.
We believe music has the power to unite an entire nation.
MARIMBA JAM was birthed from a desire to bridge the gap of access to quality education in South Africa.
There are huge inequalities that exist in post-apartheid South Africa and one of these is access to quality education.
MARIMBA JAM focuses on access to musical education, understanding the enormous psychological and social benefits
that go hand-in-hand with the joy of playing in a marimba band.
Our Journey 2011-Present
01
2011 — The Beginning
Founder Kiara Ramklass launches Marimba Jam as a Grade 11 student — a week-long workshop for 10 girls from Zimasa Secondary School in Langa, Cape Town.
02
2016 — First Festival
The inaugural Marimba Jam Festival at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre brings 100 learners to the stage and raises funds for a sustainable weekly outreach programme.
03
2018 — Official & Record-Breaking
Marimba Jam (Pty) Ltd is registered as a company. On National Women's Day, 241 female players break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Marimba Ensemble.
04
2019 — Global Stage & NPO Launch
Selected to represent South Africa at the Social Enterprise World Forum in Ethiopia. Wins the Investec Startup School for Entrepreneurs. Marimba Jam Cares NPO is officially founded.
05
2025 - Reclaiming the Guinness World Record
History was made when 1177 marimba players from South Africa and Zimbabwe broke the Guinness World Record for the largest marimba ensemble.
06
2026 - Spreading the joy of marimba to more communities
Marimba Jam continues to expand its reach with branches in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Our Team
OUR SOCIAL IMPACT
The Social Development Goals we work towards:
Goal: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Our Key Action Points:
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Offering professional upskilling training to incoming and existing staff
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We partner with multiple educational institutions to provide quality music education through marimba lessons.
