The South African hit song has gained huge international traction and has more than 125 million views on its official YouTube page.
Since its release, ‘Jerusalema’ has become a global phenomenon, even inspiring its own dance challenge. Around the world, celebrities, students, construction workers and healthcare workers have posted videos getting in on the #JerusalemaChallenge.
Even South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni joined in on the internet craze, even though his moves left many in stitches.
When Limpopo-born music producer Master KG, real name Kgaogelo Moagi, released the song in 2019, he didn’t anticipate international success or even having a chart-topping song on YouTube. He featured vocalist Nomcebo Zikode, who managed to keep fans across the world captivated with her electrifying voice. The song gained huge international traction than anyone could imagine.
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo also showed his love to the song on his Instagram page just as US singer Janet Jackson who also posted a shout out to Master KG and shared a video of men performing a choreographed dance to the song. She captioned it, “Happy Sunday you guys” and also tagged Master KG. It would have been nice if she did the challenge too so we could see her moves!
The challenge is bringing much-needed positivity during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
But, how did the song become such a sensation and a viral hit?
According to Master KG, the ‘Jerusalema’ dance challenge took off after a group of Angolan dancers posted a video of their choreography to the song. “The dance video went viral… After that a lot of people wanted to participate… Everyone started doing the Jerusalema dance,” he said during an interview with South African newspaper Sowetan in July.
“I’d say the first one that was done in Angola remains my favourite because it gave birth to all the dance challenges all over the world,” KG said.
-Allafrica
