It’s been dubbed one of the biggest Jerusalema Dance Challenges in the world so far, and it took place right here at home in Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape.
Around 700 of the town’s residents gathered to dance to Master KG’s global hit. Regarded as the worldwide lockdown anthem, they strutted their stuff to the homegrown beat.
With the easing of lockdown regulations this week this was the ultimate celebration for weeks, they practiced in their homes, at work and at school.
“I’m the Zumba instructor here in Plettenberg Bay. So, I made a video and it went viral in our town and it’s awesome, and we got so much support and lekker on hier to wees. From knee-high to brick… I think 70-80 plus. Everyone’s here. Pletts, a fabulous community and everyone pulled together to make this a big success,” says Zumba instructor, Merle Hagerman.
Observing strict social distancing, they shut down the town’s main road and it culminated with hundreds dancing to the hit track.
The idea behind the dance challenge was to bring the community together following a few rough months since the pandemic hit.
“They call it the Jerusalema Challenge, but it is more a significance of people coming together with a purpose, to be able to express themselves. And I think we all need expression during this time after all those months of no expression. It gets very deep. So, this was a wonderful way just to come out of it and have a good time,” says organiser, Rob Bokelann.
Plettenberg is also a tourist-dependent town which is hoping to revive its economy with Level 2 of the lockdown.
Plettenberg Bay joins many in the regarded lockdown anthem:
