KUGOMPO CITY- Aqua Vista Primary School’s acclaimed marimba band will fly the Eastern Cape flag when it joins more than 2 300 young musicians from across Southern Africa at the 2026 Education Africa International Marimba & Steelpan Festival in Boksburg this week.
The three-day festival, taking place from 24 to 26 July at St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, will bring together learners from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Lesotho in what organisers describe as one of the continent’s largest youth music celebrations.
The East London school, which has enjoyed previous success at the festival, will perform alongside schools and community organisations from the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape.
Beyond the performances and competitions, the event will feature workshops and collaborative learning sessions aimed at promoting cultural exchange and developing young musical talent.
Education Africa founder James Urdang said the festival celebrates more than musical excellence.
“Every performance represents months of dedication, teamwork and discipline. When young people from different backgrounds, cultures and countries perform together, they demonstrate that music has the power to build understanding, friendships and hope,” he said.
The annual festival forms part of Education Africa’s Marimba Programme, which provides music education opportunities to young people who might otherwise have limited access to arts programmes.
Organisers say the initiative continues to create opportunities for learners to develop confidence, teamwork and cultural appreciation while showcasing African musical traditions on an international stage.
Tickets for the festival are available through TicketPro.
Event at a glance
What: Education Africa International Marimba & Steelpan Festival 2026
When: 24–26 July 2026
Where: St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, Boksburg
Participants: More than 2 300 young musicians
Countries represented: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.
Photographs: Supplied
By: Amahle July
22 July 2026
Leave a Reply