The #JerusalemaChallenge was one more trend that proved that the hit track was a massive success. Released in 2019 as a collaboration between star producer, Master KG, real name Kgaogelo Moagi and Vocalist Nomcebo Zikode,gospel-inspired wonder track, Jerusalema was initially not expected to acquire global acclaim. The chart topper which garnered over 150 million YouTube views and counting, has a just-as-popular remix version featuring Burna Boy and inspired the dance challenge that started with a few Angolan dancers and spread to every continent.
Recognised as the “sound of the pandemic”, Jerusalema’s soulful tune and upbeat melody as well as its hope-inspiring lyrics serves to make the world smaller as many people of other cultures around the world took to it immediately at the beginning of the lockdown and more videos keep streaming in. Footballer Christiano Ronaldo and Janet Jackson are among the many celebrities who have openly endorsed the track. On South Africa’s Heritage Day, an annual event on the 24th of September to celebrate the South African culture and traditions, current President of the country, Cyril Ramaphosa urged his citizens to celebrate the heralded day with their “iconic’ song, a fitting choice for the day’s customary celebrations. Echoing his countrymen’s admiration, he added that Jersualema is “a song I love so much, ”concluding: “I urge you to take up this challenge and show the world what we are capable of.”
Now the Most Shazamed Song in the World, Jerusalema is only getting bigger. To coincide with Ramaphosa’s seal of approval on Thursday, Heritage Day, an announcement was made of an impending feature film about the #JerusalemaChallenge, that would feature hundreds of South African actors and crew members. The film was scheduled to be shot over two days on a custom-built set in Cape Town Film Studios and is expected to have two major parts: a scripted story and a mass dance sequence. It will be directed by Calvin Hayward alongside Abongwe L.Booi and produced by Cheryl Eatock and James Muringani.
All facilities and services involved in the film have been offered free of charge, including studio facilities, catering, equipment, and transport. Participants will support a charity drive in the form of donations, food parcels, and vouchers for the unemployed.
The project has received support and sponsorship from Cape Town Film Studios, Media Film Service, The Refinery, Panavision, Film Afrika Fresh Unit Logistics, Steers, Debonairs Pizza, Fleet Star, Sterling Logistics, Bluewater, and CCPP Equipment Rental, including the local government in Cape Town and regional org Wesgro.