South Africa's Viral 'Jerusalema' Reportedly Adapted Into Short Film

Global hit song "Jerusalema" by Master KGand Nomcebo Zikode has reportedly been made into a short film. According to Variety, the film was scripted and shot over two days in Cape Town this past week. The hit song's popularity is propelled by the #JerusalemaChallenge which blew up and took the world by storm.

South African film and television production houses: Cape Town Film Studios, Media Film Service, Panavision, Film Afrika Fresh and Unit Logistics had reportedly planned to shoot the film on Heritage Day. The film is also reportedly pro bono and proceeds will be donated to charity. Cape Town is a well known location for shooting both local and international music videos as well feature films and documentaries. There has, however, been no official commentary as yet from Master KG and Zikode on the making of or their participation in the short film itself.

Read: 'Jerusalema' Hit-Maker Nomcebo Zikode Releases Her Solo Album 'Xola Moya' Wam.

"Jerusalema" was released in December 2019, a time for tremendous festivities but only gained prominence at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under lockdown, people joined the #JerusalemaChallenge as it sparked a global dance movement from South Africa to Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Italy, England, Cape Verde and America. Videos of Swedish doctors in scrubs, friends on the beach, family gatherings, children, South African personnel at the traffic department and even elephants dancing to the song have since flooded social media.

"Jerusalema" has become a marker of unification and celebration. Following the announcement of the final level of lockdown, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, urged South Africans to celebrate Heritage Day with the now iconic "Jerusalema" dance. The track is currently the most Shazamed song in the world and stands at over 150 million views on YouTube.