Marimba & Steelpan Fest to honour Madiba
July is definitely a cultural month in Gauteng as we herald the 7th Education Africa International Marimba & Steelpan Festival. This month we say goodbye to the World Choir Games and hello to the 7th Education Africa International Marimba and Steelpan Festival on 28 and 29 July 2018 at St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls in Boksburg, Gauteng. This, the largest festival of its kind in the world, will welcome 2 000 participants and 80 institutions attending from all corners of southern Africa. The Festival has two distinct elements: The Main Event which is a series of competitions in various ages and categories and the fringe events which consist of 90 workshops in a variety of music and dance disciplines, a flea market and a food court. This year Joan Lithgow, the Festival Director, has written a composition for the massed marimba and steelpan event on Saturday afternoon to honour Madiba’s centenary. Two of his most famous quotes on music; “It is music and dancing that makes me at peace with the world … and with myself” and “Music will be the salvation of our people” are set to music.
