2020

As a result of the COVID-pandemic, a virtual Education Africa International Marimba & Steelpan Festival is conceptualised, proposed, discussed and debated with various stakeholders who had supported the live Festival in the past. The Festival is marketed to marimba and steelpan bands throughout the world, extending the entries to participants who logistically could not travel to South Africa. Competition categories are also increased. In total, 150 entries in video format are received from 7 countries. Once entries are received in video format and forwarded to the judges, James and the Education Africa team produce 13 episodes which are flighted on Facebook and YouTube between 1 and 13 December. Technology is used to produce a multi-screened massed item featuring many of the participants in the Festival. The Virtual Festival enables Education Africa to create a virtual platform where social cohesion can take place in a meaningful way on a global scale while creating a world-wide awareness of the diversity of the marimbas found in South Africa.  The event will be held online again in 2021 due to the uncertainty around the pandemic.