A viral video of members of An Garda Siochana taking part in a dance routine in various locations across the country has brought much needed joy to many today.
Sharing the video on Twitter earlier today the account @Gardainfo said "We have stepped up to the Swiss police @fedpolCH #JerusalemaChallenge." suggesting that the challenge had come from their counterparts in Switzerland.
Watch the Swiss version below and you will see the challenge to Ireland's police force at the end.
But what is the story behind the dance and the song that is used?
The original video was first posted in South Africa last September, the song “Jerusalema” was released by South African musicians Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode in 2019, with much of the lyrics in Zulu. The song has been streamed more than 60 million times on Spotify and has been named the world’s most popular track on Shazam.
The global challenge began after Angolan dance troupe Fenómenos do Semba shot a video of themselves dancing to the song in February. The video is set in a backyard in Luanda, where they break into a group dance, all the while eating lunch from plates in their hands.
Since then, the gospel-influenced house song and accompanying dance challenge has offered uplifting moments during the pandemic, not only in South Africa but worldwide too.
The dance has become a viral sensation performed at police stations, hospitals, restaurants and many public places across the world. Even priests, nuns and monks from Zimbabwe to Montreal have taken part.
Here is the original video below (but we secretly think the Garda Siochana one is the best!! Click here if you haven't seen it)
BTW Did you spot the Swiss reg car in the opening scene of the Irish version, nicely played lads!!
