Uganda's ghetto kids dance troupe/SCREENGRABUganda’s internationally renowned dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids, has expressed excitement after being invited to join global music star Shakira at a World Cup performance.
The group described the opportunity as a life-changing milestone for the troupe and the children they represent.
Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the non-governmental initiative (NGO) and dance troupe uses the performing arts to support orphaned and vulnerable children in Kampala.
Speaking during an interview, the troupe’s founder said the invitation represents a breakthrough moment not only for the group but also for many disadvantaged children who have found hope through their performances.
“This one is very different. It’s a huge opportunity for the Ghetto Kids, for me, the children who have no hope will still have hope,” Daouda said.
The group has grown over the years from a local community initiative into an internationally recognised dance troupe, attracting millions of followers online and performing on global stages.
Their high-energy routines and inspirational storylines have made them one of Africa’s most visible youth performance groups.
One of the troupe’s dancers, Josephine Busingye, said the group could not hide their excitement at the prospect of sharing a stage with Shakira during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
“I feel so excited. We can’t wait to perform with Shakira, and we can’t wait to show the world what we are,” she said.
Another troupe dancer, Ssegirinya Madwanah, said: “Performing on one of the biggest stages always feels good. We will be seen by many people watching the stage where we perform. It always feels good and brings a lot of opportunities."
The invitation places the Ghetto Kids on one of the biggest global platforms, with the FIFA World Cup final and associated performances attracting an estimated audience of more than one billion viewers worldwide.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, across 16 cities, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The tournament is expected to be one of the largest sporting events in history, featuring expanded participation and a packed calendar of matches.
Music will play a central role in the tournament’s entertainment lineup, with Colombian superstar Shakira confirmed to perform the official World Cup song titled “Dai Dai,” alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy.
The track, whose title is derived from an Italian phrase meaning “let’s go” or “come on,” is expected to feature prominently during opening and ceremonial events.
Shakira is scheduled to perform “Dai Dai” at the opening ceremony on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, ahead of the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
For the Ghetto Kids, the collaboration represents another step in their journey from the streets of Kampala to the global stage, reinforcing their message of resilience, talent, and opportunity for disadvantaged children.
The group has previously gained international attention through viral dance videos and performances at major events, earning praise for their creativity and discipline despite their challenging backgrounds.
