South African Classrooms Turn Up The Volume As National “Chakalaka Challenge” Gains Momentum

Schools nationwide bring their unique flavour to a national music movement competing for R15,000 in musical instruments.

Midday breaks and music classrooms across South Africa are filling with sound as thousands of students get creative for the Chakalaka Challenge, a nationwide campaign inspiring schools to share their musical spirit.

The seven-week initiative invites schools, classes, and student groups to put their own spin on Boom Chakalaka, an original track from music education platform The Ear Academy. From full-class body percussion routines and instrumental covers to dance choreography and original vocal and dance remixes, the challenge celebrates open participation and creativity over technical perfection.

Beyond the excitement online and in classrooms, the movement shines a light on a critical issue: when school budgets tighten, arts and culture education is often the first to face cuts. By offering free access to downloadable music stems and simple entry guidelines, the challenge gives every school a platform to express themselves while highlighting real resourcing gaps.

“The energy coming out of classrooms right now is incredible – everyone has a song inside them, and seeing how South African students are making this track their own is exactly why we started this,” said Rus Nerwich, Founder and CEO of The Ear Academy. “It proves that when you give kids a creative outlet, magic happens regardless of their formal background.”

To turn that creative energy into long-term impact, The Ear Academy partnered with century-old retailer Bothners to sponsor a life-changing prize package: R15,000 worth of new instruments delivered straight to the winning school’s music room.

“As a South African business that champions accessible music education, being part of a movement that puts real instruments into hands that need them is hugely rewarding,” said the Bothners team. “The creativity we’re seeing across social media and inside schools is proof of how alive music is in our youth, and we’re thrilled to help give one school the tools to keep that sound going for years to come.”

How Schools Can Still Join the Challenge:

•  Who can enter: Open to all schools, classes, and student groups across South Africa.

• How to enter: Upload your video or music submission at chakalakachallenge.com. Share publicly on social media using #ChakalakaChallenge.

• Deadline: Entries close on 19 September 2026.

•  The Prize: R15,000 in new musical instruments awarded to the winning school.

Schools, classes, and student groups across South Africa can still enter the challenge by uploading a video or music submission at chakalakachallenge.com and sharing it publicly on social media using #ChakalakaChallenge. All entries must be submitted by the deadline on 19 September 2026, and the winning school will have a chance to receive R15,000 in new musical instruments.