Want to enhance your cognitive skills, boost emotional expression and embrace your creativity?
And have lots of supportive friends who join you in a cohesive, fun activity?
Join a marimba band!
This message comes from Hudson Park Primary head of music, Nikki Littleford.
She was speaking after a group of influential adults threw off the weight of the world and turned into a jiving, clapping happy mass as the school’s senior marimba band played old township struggle favourites — now internationally adored songs — and new pop hits.
With marimbas pounding and spirits soaring, Hudson Park Primary’s senior marimba band delivering a vibrant, high-energy performance at the Eastern Cape department of education’s G20 Summit held at the ICC Convention Centre last week.
This was a celebration of rhythm, youth and pure joy.
Performing in front of education leaders, government officials, and international delegates, gathered to discuss key issues affecting the sector, the 18-member ensemble of pupils aged 11 to 13 in grades five, six and seven, brought youthful enthusiasm and musical flair to the prestigious event.
Littleford said: “Playing an instrument is a skill that teaches discipline, enhances cognitive skills, boosts emotional expression, and fosters creativity,” she said.
“Playing in the marimba band also teaches pupils to work as a team to create a unified sound.
“Each member of the marimba band has a specific role to play, and this teaches them to listen, collaborate, and grow together — skills that extend far beyond the classroom.”
The marimba band, under the guidance of Littleford, received the special invitation to perform from a representative of the department, a sign of the strong public impression they made earlier this year.
Littleford said: “Our headmaster, Garth Lumb, received a call from the department asking us to perform at this event as we have performed there before in January this year, and they were very impressed with our children and our performance.”
The musicians were thrilled by the opportunity to showcase their talent on such a significant stage.
“Being invited to perform at ICC felt like a huge achievement for them,” Littleford said.
“Although they were nervous at first, once they started playing, their confidence grew, and they really enjoyed the moment.’’
The band’s set list was thoughtfully chosen to engage the diverse audience.
“We went with a mix that would appeal to different age groups,” Littleford said.
“Pata Pata was a hit especially with the officials, who loved it when we performed at the department’s matric results event earlier this year.
‘We added Ziyawa for energy, some old school house music for the older crowd, and newer songs such as Flowers and Bella Ciao to connect with the younger audience. It was all about keeping it fun and inclusive.”
The reactions from the audience confirmed the band had struck the right chord.
“The audience loved it, there were lots of smiles, clapping and even dancing. The organisers were happy and said the marimbas brought a special vibe to the event.”
The band is a cornerstone of the school’s cultural programme.
Under the guidance of music teacher Zizipho Nkinti and marimba band teacher Lunga Gweva, the group performs throughout the year at school functions and external events.
“Our pupils prepare music continuously throughout the year as we have many performances and competitions on our school calendar,” Littleford said.
“Every term we add new songs to our repertoire, so the band was prepared with a few songs already at the time of the request.”
Littleford believes the marimba programme is a powerful educational and personal development creative activity.
The band is gearing up for another busy term, with performances lined up at their school’s sports prize giving and their much-loved annual Christmas concert.
With rhythm, heart, and commitment, these young musicians are demonstrating that music is more than just sound, it’s a celebration of joy, learning, and unity.
