Marimba Oxib K'ajau was formed in the 1980's by a group of indigenous families from Guatemala who wanted to maintain their culture in the United States. They formed marimba Oxib K'ajau as a means to preserve their identity, maintain their roots all through the national instrument of Guatemala, the marimba. They named the group Oxib K'ajau in honor of three indigenous leaders that fought against the Spaniards during the Spanish conquest. It means "three wise elders" in Maya Quiche which is 1 of 28 dialects spoken in Guatemala.

Throughout the years, different families entered and left the group but the goal and vision remained the same. Through hard work and dedication, the group was able to travel to Guatemala on tour three times where they played throughout the country including many orphanages as well as the presidential palace.