Uganda’s renowned dance group, the Ghetto Kids, have officially been invited by pop star Shakira to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show. The historic performance is scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026, marking a major milestone for the group and a proud moment for Uganda on the global stage. Shakira personally announced the invitation in a video message on her social media, noting that she specifically needed their energetic dance style on the massive world stage.
The Ghetto Kids (originally Triplets Ghetto Kids) are a renowned Ugandan dance and music group founded in 2007 by Dauda Kavuma. Based in the Katwe slums of Kampala, the group is composed of orphans and disadvantaged street children whom Kavuma has taken in, providing them with housing, education, and a vital creative outlet. Through their talent and determination, the Ghetto Kids have become global ambassadors for hope and resilience, transforming their lives and inspiring audiences around the world. They rose to international fame in 2014 after a homemade dance video to the song “Sitya Loss” by Eddy Kenzo went viral. Since then, their dynamic blend of traditional African and contemporary dance has propelled them to global stages, earning them widespread acclaim and opportunities to perform alongside some of the world’s biggest artists.
The Ghetto Kids’ rising profile led to a standout appearance in the hit 2017 music video for French Montana’s “Unforgettable,” which was seen by millions around the globe. Their star continued to rise with high-profile performances at events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In 2023, they made history on Britain’s Got Talent by earning a “golden buzzer” before even finishing their audition, ultimately reaching the finals and captivating viewers with their energy and inspiring story.
The Ghetto Kids’ upcoming performance with Shakira on the FIFA World Cup stage represents a monumental triumph for East African arts, directly elevating Ugandan street talent to the absolute pinnacle of global entertainment. Their appearance marks not only a personal milestone for the group but also a powerful moment of recognition for the creativity and resilience found within Uganda and the wider East African region, shining an international spotlight on the transformative power of the arts.
