Dance has always been central to South Africa’s identity, a universal language that speaks across race, class, and background. But in the age of TikTok and social virality, South African dance challenges have done more than entertain; they’ve united the world through rhythm, energy, and unapologetic joy.
In this guide, we’re ranking the 10 most iconic dance challenges to ever shake South Africa, from the heartfelt unity of Jerusalema to the jaw-dropping footwork of Tshwala Bam. By the end, you’ll want to lace up your sneakers, hit record, and join the groove.
1. Jerusalema Challenge — The Dance That United the World
When Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode dropped Jerusalema, they didn’t just release a song, they accidentally created a global therapy session.
This upbeat, gospel-inspired anthem became the unofficial soundtrack of lockdown in 2020. It all began when Angolan dancers posted a joyful routine on YouTube, and within weeks, everyone, from priests to police officers.
Impact: The Jerusalema Challenge proved that South African music could heal the world. It was hope in motion, rhythm as resistance, and a reminder that unity can go viral too.
Learn more about Master KG’s global journey.
2. Gwara Gwara — When Durban Took Over the Grammys
Long before TikTok existed, Durban’s DJ Bongz had already made his mark with the Gwara Gwara, a hypnotic leg-swinging, arm-waving move that quickly became the signature of the Gqom era.
Then Rihanna did it. On the Grammy stage. And suddenly, the rest of the world realised what Durban had known all along: the Gwara Gwara isn’t just a dance move; it’s a lifestyle.
Impact: The Gwara Gwara became an international phenomenon, solidifying South Africa as the cultural engine of global pop.
3. Tshwala Bam — The Hardest Amapiano Dance Challenge Ever
If Jerusalema was about joy, Tshwala Bam was about survival.
Released in 2024 by TitoM & Yuppe featuring Siiye and EeQue, this Amapiano hit came with a challenge so difficult, even professional dancers were sweating. The choreography, sharp, athletic, and unrelenting, turned TikTok timelines into boot camps.
Impact: The Tshwala Bam Dance Challenge wasn’t for the faint-hearted. But that’s exactly what made it beautiful; it reminded us that not all dance challenges are about perfection. Some are about endurance and maybe a little humility.
Watch MJ Wemoto break it down here.
4. Umlando Challenge — When Workplaces Turned Into Dance Floors
No dance challenge has blurred the line between professionalism and pure fun quite like the Umlando Challenge.
Set to the Amapiano anthem Umlando, this 2022 craze had South Africans swaying their hips in petrol stations, parking lots, and yes, boardrooms. HR didn’t approve, but social media did.
Impact: Umlando gave the world permission to have fun again. And if your manager couldn’t groove, they probably still watched in secret.
5. Bakadi Dance — The Water Challenge Nobody Saw Coming
When Tyler ICU released Bakadi in 2024, he didn’t just drop a track, he unleashed chaos. Some called it the “Water Challenge,” others argued it wasn’t even a dance. Twitter debates raged. TikTok didn’t care.
The moves? Fluid, wavy, unpredictable, exactly like the online arguments about it.
Impact: Bakadi proved one thing: South Africans can turn anything into a movement. Even confusion.
6. The Amapiano Dance Craze — Mzansi’s Global Groove
Amapiano isn’t just a genre anymore, it’s a global export. Every week, a new Amapiano Dance Challenge pops up, from Pouncing Cat to Zekethe.
These moves, subtle yet stylish, have taken over clubs, streets, and social media. Each challenge invites dancers to express themselves freely, with just the right dose of groove and confidence.
Impact: The Amapiano dance culture turned casual movement into digital gold, proving that less choreography and more vibe might just be the secret formula to virality.
7. The Vosho — The National Leg Day
You can’t talk about dance challenges without mentioning the mighty Vosho. Part workout, part cultural phenomenon, this squat-and-pop move has humbled even the strongest dancers.
Impact: The Vosho remains the one dance move that turns weddings into competitions and clubs into gyms. A true test of leg strength and national pride.
8. The Pantsula Revival — When History Hit TikTok
Before hashtags, there was Pantsula — a township-born dance form that mixed storytelling, attitude, and rhythm.
Now, young dancers are reviving Pantsula online, fusing traditional steps with modern flair. It’s part nostalgia, part innovation, and entirely South African.
Impact: The Pantsula revival connects generations — a reminder that culture doesn’t die; it evolves in motion.
9. The Gumboot Dance — Our Heritage Challenge
Born in the mines and forged in struggle, the Gumboot Dance remains one of South Africa’s proudest exports. Today, creators have modernized it for social media, bringing an old rhythm into new timelines.
Impact: The Gumboot Dance stands as proof that our history has rhythm and that some beats never fade.
10. The Hamba Wena Challenge — Pure Joy, Pure Mzansi
The Hamba Wena Challenge came as a breath of fresh air, no rules, no overthinking, just joy. It was the digital equivalent of sunshine after a storm.
Impact: In a world obsessed with perfection, Hamba Wena reminded us to dance for ourselves.
Why South African Dance Challenges Matter
Each of these dance challenges represents more than choreography, they’re cultural currency. They remind the world that South Africa’s creativity doesn’t need permission to shine. From Soweto to Seoul, our moves inspire millions because they come from something deeper than trend: soul.
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