Let’s do the Jerusalema
In an effort to spread positive vibes through Plettenberg Bay as the weight of the Covid-19 pandemic weighs heavy on locals' shoulders, the town will be getting in on the action of what has become a global dance frenzy.
Sparked by the infectious beat of South African musician Master KG's latest single Jerusalema, the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge was born and has spread across the world. While the original music video - which premiered in December last year and features female vocalist Nomcebo Zikode - has amassed more than 71-million views, it was the dance moves of a few friends in Angola that got the challenge under way when they posted their choreography on YouTube in February this year. Today, the hashtag delivers thousands of videos of groups of people mimicking the dance moves across the globe.
It has also become synonymous with spreading positivity during the devastation caused by the pandemic around the world.
Local resident Denise McNamara said this is why she decided Plett should become part of the craze. "People are really feeling low at the moment and are struggling to keep afloat. Not only do we want to spread some positivity during these trying times, but also keep Plett in the minds of visitors for when the tourism industry opens again," she said.
She hopes to bring Plett locals together in Main Street at 14:00 on
Saturday 22 August for Bitou's own Jerusalema challenge. McNamara encourages anyone wanting to participate to start practising at home, or join local Zumba instructor Merle Hagerman at LM in Main Street, Plett, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 17:00 and 18:00 to learn the moves. Hagerman also posted an instructional video on local social media for those wanting to practise at home. On the day there will be one practice round before the challenge officially starts. It will be filmed and added to social media platforms afterwards. All participants are urged to wear denims, white shirts and their favourite funky masks. McNamara assured participants that all social-distancing protocols will be followed.