By Heather Rufus | Communications & Partnership Consultant
In November 2021, Education Africa hosted its second Virtual International Marimba & Steelpan Festival. The Virtual Festival was a pivotal innovative response to COVID-19 regulations limiting the possibility of live events. The festival was a roaring success with 1615 performers from 11 different countries around the world. It was hosted through pre-recorded episodes made available for free on Education Africa's Facebook & YouTube channel
(available here for viewing: https://bit.ly/33wVq7d or https://bit.ly/3I9g6AW).
Our panel of incredible adjudicators carefully watched all 256 performances - organised by categories of age, band size, instruments, and genre - and revealed the winners in the final prize-giving episodes.
Education Africa's very own Marimba Hub bands were front and centre throughout the festival as they demonstrated their wonderful talents to an international audience. The Festival remains a highlight for many learners in the Marimba Hubs as they get to showcase their music and watch fellow marimba players showcase theirs. Learners spend all year looking forward to strutting their stuff at the International Marimba & Steelpan Festival, alongside the Sounds of Celebration Concert, as well as being a part of the community the festivals have created.
Social cohesion, as well as skills development and empowerment, remain at the forefront of Education Africa's Marimba Hubs programmes. Having a festival performance to work towards provides the impetus for many learners to refine their musical skills, ability to work as a team, and perform. Ultimately, the learners' feedback reveals that this process builds confidence, community, and a love of music.
As we gear up for 2022, this is what we plan to continue building. Education Africa has an exciting year ahead with the upcoming Sounds of Celebration Concert as well as the establishment of more preschool through to high school Marimba Hubs.
Thank you for your enduring support to help Make Real Change Happen!
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