Harlem Shaking up Africa

The viral phenomenon, the Harlem Shake, is the latest internet meme to shake up the globe…even in the most unexpected places.

Going viral in early February, the world has seen thousands; young and old, hipsters and the not so hip embrace and churn out their own versions of the dance meme.

A video by comedy vlogger, Filthy Frank, which featured a section where several costumed people dance to Harlem Shake by American producer of trap and bass, Baauer, sparked the internet sensation.

Numerous renditions dedicated to Africa have hit the net while more have come from the continent itself. Depicting the people of Africa in their diversity, the videos are hilarious, toungue-in-cheek, fun and even socio-politically inclined.

Internet memes that pull at the heartstrings are something of a novelty. Jumping onto the Harlem Shake bandwagon, some organisations have boldly used the phenomenon to spread their causes.

Kwagala Ministries in Uganda, who provide street kids with a home, education and a family, have released a video featuring former street kids doing their version of the Harlem Shake.