KAMPALA — The Ghetto Kids, a Ugandan dance troupe from Kampala, will perform with Shakira at the FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Shakira announced the collaboration in a video on social media confirming their participation in the halftime show.
Shakira said in a video on social media: “I’ve already invited the Ghetto Kids from Uganda. We are so excited. I wanted the performance to feel unforgettable.” The Ghetto Kids also appeared in the music video for Shakira’s song “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghetto Kids consist of 60 children ages 4 to 16 who grew up in poverty. They were formed at a foundation for vulnerable children established by their manager, Dauda Kavuma. The group first gained attention in 2014 when five children posted a dance video to Eddy Kenzo’s “Sitya Loss,” which went viral after the singer shared it.
Members of the Ghetto Kids said in a video interview: “We are so excited.” Ssegirinya Madwanah King, 15, added: “We have always been dancing to her songs, so seeing that news made our hearts so happy. We jumped up and down; we celebrated.” He also said: “Before joining the group, we weren’t going to school, we weren’t traveling, we weren’t getting the basic needs. If I weren’t part of the group, I don’t know where I would be.”
Dauda Kavuma said: “We are using music, dance and drama to make lives better.” He added: “I’ve been hoping, but I didn’t see this coming.” Kavuma also said: “We believe all will be fine. With God’s grace, nothing is impossible.”
The Ghetto Kids previously performed to Shakira’s song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the 2010 World Cup anthem. They have also appeared on “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League,” “Britain’s Got Talent,” and in a music video with rapper French Montana.