Story by Patience Nyagato
SEVERAL Zimbabwean bands are set to represent the country at the Marimba World Championships scheduled for August in Cape Town, marking a major moment for the country’s vibrant music scene.
Zimbabwe has confirmed participation in the 2026 edition of the global showcase, joining a growing list of countries expected to compete, including Guatemala, Namibia, Lesotho, South Africa, Eswatini and Botswana.
Event organisers, The Marimba Jam, confirmed that Zimbabwe is among the first nations to register for the competition.
Zimbabwe has built a strong reputation for its distinctive marimba sound and energetic performances, with school ensembles and community groups consistently earning recognition at regional and international platforms.
This year’s championships will feature multiple performance categories, including pop, classical, African traditional and contemporary music, as well as a special category.
Participants will compete across four age divisions, junior, intermediate, senior and open, providing a platform for both emerging and seasoned performers to showcase their talent on the global stage.
Zimbabwe’s participation is expected to highlight the country’s rich musical heritage while reinforcing its standing as a powerhouse in marimba performance.
Although the championships are a new global platform, they add to a well-established circuit of international marimba events, including the World Marimba Competition, Universal Marimba Competition and Festival, International Marimba and Steelpan Festival and the International Tomarimbando Marimba Contest.
