Jerusalema hits hearts and souls across the globe

Amidst the doom and gloom of the past few months, an exciting phenomenon has emerged, with people around the world recording themselves dancing to the smash hit Jerusalema. With lyrics expressing longing for the holy city, it’s performed by South African artist Master KG (Kgaogelo Moagi) and female vocalist Nomcebo Zikode.

On 28 July, the pair was officially named as young ambassadors for the country by the department of sports, arts and culture for bringing millions together through their music, according to local news outlets.

They were congratulated by sports, arts, and culture minister Nathi Mthethwa at a virtual event. Mthethwa said the song was evidence of the strong impact that the creative arts had on people irrespective of nationality, language, age, or borders. The song has more than 53 million views on YouTube.

After being named ambassador, Master KG said he was surprised at the massive interest in the song, and he believed its success could be attributed to how he was “led to it by G-d”.

“Music doesn’t need a visa to travel. It doesn’t matter where you come from, and the type of music you do. It’s possible to be heard all over the world,” he says.

A gospel hit that pays tribute to Jerusalem, the dance has been compared to the Macarena craze of the 1990s. People of all ages from around the globe have shared videos of themselves doing the moves. From youngsters in Jerusalem itself, to a wedding in Spain, to a Jewish school in Cape Town, to healthcare workers in France, and to a beach in Brazil, the phenomenon has spread almost as fast as the pandemic.

In a time of fear and isolation, Jerusalema is bringing people together to celebrate some of the things that the virus can’t take away – dance and music. In particular, residents of aged homes appear to be enjoying the phenomenon as a way to combat boredom and celebrate life as they live under strict lockdown. While most people in the videos aren’t wearing masks, the layout of the steps means they can keep at a distance.

Some of the lyrics translated into English are, “Jerusalem, my home. Save me, and go with me; do not leave me here. I’m not perfect; I came from ruthless times. Save me; do not leave me here. Look into my eyes; see pain and sacrifice; what goes on my mind; struggling to survive. Save me; do not leave me here. My place is not here; My kingdom is not here. Jerusalem, my home.”

There must be thousands of such songs with accompanying steps, so what is it that made this one go global? “Jerusalema was already a hit in South Africa before it went viral globally thanks both to a danceable beat and powerful lyrics that resonate. For those who understand the words, it speaks to the need to find a home where one can be at peace,” says local internet expert Arthur Goldstuck, the managing director of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.

“Amazingly, even if you don’t understand the words, it still resonates as a vibrant, powerful song that allows you to dance your sorrows away. Simply being in the song and dance is uplifting and motivating, and this is partly what has gained such traction around the world,” he says.

“All credit must go to Master KG for recognising the potential of a popular church hymn put to a dance beat, and then bringing in the ideal female vocalist in Nomcebo to give it listening appeal to any audience. The music videos have been a key part of its viral success, almost acting as a training video – as so much YouTube content does – on how to get something right.

“Finally, Master KG pulled off a brilliant coup in doing a remix with Burma Boy, a massive star in Nigeria who broke out globally over the past five years, and was nominated for this year’s Grammy Awards,” says Goldstuck.

“If it resonated for Burma Boy, it is clear that its success was no accident, but down to the musical instincts of Master KG combined with an infectious dance video that showed the world how to be happy. It’s fascinating that the song’s yearning for Jerusalem as a metaphor for yearning for a real home has such powerful resonance for the Jewish community.”