On the 1st and 2nd August 2015, 1600 participants from all corners of South Africa as well as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland will be gathering at the annual EDUCATION AFRICA INTERNATIONAL MARIMBA AND STEELPAN FESTIVAL which will take place at the beautiful St Benedict’s College, Harcus Road, Bedfordview, Guateng.
Over 250 performances featuring some of Africa’s top marimba and steelpan bands will be featured in non-stop competitions over the two days. These competitions will be adjudicated by 6 top class experts in not only marimbas and steelpans but also in music and music education.
All these adjudicators will also be featured in our FRINGE EVENTS and will be giving lecture/demonstrations, performances, master classes and fun music activities for the whole family. Amongst our illustrious adjudicators are: ANDY NARELL, a patron of the festival, who hails from France and is one of the world’s top solo steelpan performers will be giving 2 solo performances. MARK STONE, who comes from the USA, an expert on world percussion will be conducting lecture/demonstrations on the DAGARA GYIL, the marimba of Ghana. This is a must for anyone interested in African music. South Africa’s multi-talented world-class songbird, SIBONGILE KHUMALO will be conducting 2 MASTER CLASSES in voice at the Festival. This is a rare opportunity for all those singers out there to meet her and be heard by one of the greatest and most versatile talents South Africa has ever produced! Who knows, your voice career could be launched at the Festival?
Another amazing artist to be featured at the festival will be DANNO PETERSEN, the 12 year-old “DRUMMER WUNDERKIND” from the Cape now living in Gauteng. Dynamic Danno is the youngest University student in Africa. He is also the YOUNGEST WORLDWIDE YAMAHA ENDORSED DRUMMER for the past 8 years! At the Festival he will be featured at the massed marimba and steelpan event as well as in a number of workshops and performances where adults and children alike can enjoy his performances and will also have the opportunity to ask him questions. Danno is an inspiration to all who meet him! This is definitely something not to be missed!
Also featured in our Fringe Events Programme are gumboot, Sotho, Tswana, Greek, Indian and Afrikaans dance workshops. We also have graded djembe drumming and marimba workshops given by leading teachers from Gauteng. South Africa’s steelpan master: DAVE REYNOLDS will be giving walk-in steelpan classes and many other experts will be giving talks and workshops on subjects as diverse as boom whackers and games to play in the classroom.
Highlights at the MAIN FESTIVAL VENUE include: the massed marimba and steelpan event, the interactive djembe drumming event and of course the 250 marimba and steelpan competition performances!
There is something for everyone including a flea market with wonderful food and arts and crafts!
Ticket prices at the gate per day:
R30 for adults/R20 for children 6 years and older
Workshops an additional R30 p/workshop.
Alternatively
R60 per day for adults and children which includes ALL WORKSHOPS!
Full weekend pass may be pre-booked online: www.internationalmarimbafestival.org
For more details contact: Bongi on 011 685-7300 or bongi@educationafrica.org alternatively contact Joan on 011 685 7300 or joan@educationafrica.org
For media accreditation, interview requests and access to high res photos please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632 and speak to Dee’s
Issued by JT Communication Solutions of Behalf of Education Africa International Marimba and Steelpan Festival - www.internationalmarimbafestival.org
