Ghetto Kids Invited to Perform at World Cup Halftime Show with Shakira
In early June 2024, global pop icon Shakira announced via her Instagram account that a Ugandan dance troupe made up of former street children would join her for the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in the United States.1 The group, known as the Ghetto Kids, received the invitation after submitting a short dance clip in response to Shakira’s open call for fan‑generated choreography for the tournament’s official anthem.
From Kampala Streets to Global Stage
The Ghetto Kids originated in Kampala as an outreach program of a local non‑governmental organisation founded by Kavuma Dauda, himself a former street child.2 The NGO uses dance, music, and performing arts to provide shelter, education, and psychosocial support to abandoned and orphaned youths.
Since its inception, the troupe has posted dozens of street‑performance videos that quickly garnered millions of views on social media. Their energetic routines earned them a spot on the television series America’s Got Talent in 2022, where they reached the semifinal stage and attracted an international fan base.3
Eight‑year‑old Busingye Josephine Daniella expressed the group’s excitement in an interview with AFP: “We can’t wait to show the world what we are!”4 Sixteen‑year‑old Ssegirinyi Madwanah added that traveling abroad and performing on one of the planet’s biggest stages feels “good and brings with it a lot of opportunities.”
Why the World Cup Halftime Show Matters
The FIFA World Cup final is one of the most‑watched sporting events on the planet, routinely drawing over one billion viewers across television and digital platforms.5 A halftime performance therefore offers unparalleled exposure for artists seeking to reach a global audience.
Shakira’s selection of the Ghetto Kids aligns with her long‑standing commitment to using music and dance as tools for social change. The Colombian singer has previously partnered with UNICEF and the Barefoot Foundation to support children’s education and health initiatives in Latin America and Africa.6
Impact and Future Goals
Kavuma Dauda hopes the heightened visibility will translate into tangible benefits for the children he serves. In a statement to Reuters, he said the troupe aims to raise funds for a dedicated rehabilitation and education centre in Kampala, where participants can receive formal schooling, vocational training, and continued artistic mentorship.7
The invitation also underscores a growing trend of major entertainment platforms leveraging grassroots talent to highlight social issues. By featuring the Ghetto Kids on a world stage, Shakira and FIFA amplify a narrative of resilience, creativity, and hope that resonates far beyond the football pitch.
References
- 1 Shakira. “Excited to announce the Ghetto Kids will join me for the World Cup halftime show!” Instagram post, 3 June 2024. instagram.com/shakira/
- 2 Dauda, K. “Founder’s Story: From Street Child to Changemaker.” Ghetto Kids NGO Annual Report, 2023.
- 3 NBC. “America’s Got Talent: Season 17 – Ghetto Kids Performance.” aired 12 September 2022.
- 4 Agence France‑Presse (AFP). “Ugandan dance crew thrilled to perform with Shakira at World Cup.” 4 June 2024.
- 5 FIFA. “World Cup Final Viewership Surpasses 1 Billion.” FIFA Media Release, 15 July 2023.
- 6 Shakira. “Barefoot Foundation – Our Work.” barefootfoundation.org, accessed June 2024.
- 7 Reuters. “Ugandan dance troupe aims to build education centre after World Cup exposure.” 5 June 2024.
