Master KG and Nomcebo: Jerusalema Added to UNESCO Heritage List

Jerusalema, the uplifting gospel house anthem by producer Master KG and vocalist Nomcebo Zikode, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — the first South African musical work to receive the distinction.

The track, released in 2019 and propelled to global fame by a viral dance challenge during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, was described by UNESCO as "a living testament to the power of music to transcend borders and provide solace in times of collective suffering."

Master KG Reacts

Speaking from his home in Limpopo, Master KG — born Kgaogelo Moagi — said he was "overwhelmed" by the recognition. "I made that song for my community, for church people, to give people hope. I never imagined it would reach this far. This is for every child from a township who dares to dream."

Cultural Impact

The dance challenge associated with Jerusalema saw participation from healthcare workers, teachers, police forces, and ordinary citizens in over 100 countries. The official music video has accumulated more than 900 million YouTube views, making it one of the most-viewed African music videos in history.