Over 2300 young musicians from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho will gather at St. Dominic's School for Girls in Johannesburg to participate in the Education Africa International Marimba & Steelpan Festival 2026. This festival is recognized as the largest of its kind globally.
The three-day event will take place from July 24th to 26th and will bring together students, teachers, and professional musicians. The program includes performances, competitions, masterclasses, and joint educational sessions focused on music, cultural diversity, and youth development.
Participants will represent schools and community organizations from the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and North Cape, as well as international groups from neighboring African countries.
Among the participating schools from KwaZulu-Natal are Westville Senior Primary School, Northwood High School, Michaelhouse, Hillcrest College, Durban Girls' College, and Curro Hillcrest High School.
The founder of Education Africa, James Urdang, emphasized that the festival goes beyond mere competition. He noted that every performance reflects months of dedicated work, teamwork, and discipline. According to him, when young people from different cultures and countries perform together, they demonstrate the power of music in building mutual understanding, friendship, and hope, which makes the festival special.
Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy hundreds of performances by marimba ensembles, steelpan groups, and special guests. Education Africa asserts that the annual event has become one of the leading celebrations of youth music and cultural exchange in South Africa, providing young performers with an opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage.
In addition to concerts, the festival serves as a platform to raise funds for the Education Africa Marimba Program. This program provides musical education to children who might otherwise not have access to formal musical training. Organizers note that the festival offers something for everyone—from music lovers and educators to families interested in celebrating African music, creativity, and cultural interaction.
