Ugandan dance troupe the Ghetto Kids have expressed excitement after global music star Shakira invited them to perform at the World Cup final in the United States this summer.
The Colombian singer announced on Instagram last week that the group would join her during the tournament’s half-time show, making them the first act selected for the performance.
The Ghetto Kids, a dance troupe made up of street children, rose to fame through energetic dance videos filmed on the streets of Kampala. Their performances gained international attention online and later earned them a place on the TV show America’s Got Talent.
Speaking to AFP, eight-year-old performer Busingye Josephine Daniella said the group was eager to showcase their talent on the global stage.
“We can’t wait to show the world what we are,” she said.
The opportunity came after the troupe responded to a call from Shakira for fans to submit dance clips for the new World Cup anthem. Their lively entries quickly went viral on social media.
For the young performers, the chance to appear at one of the world’s biggest sporting events represents a major breakthrough.
“We feel so excited to perform with Shakira,” Daniella added.
Another member of the troupe, 16-year-old Ssegirinyi Madwanah, said the experience could open doors for the children.
“Getting outside the country and performing on one of the biggest stages feels good and it brings a lot of opportunities,” he said.
Founder of the NGO, Kavuma Dauda, who was once a street child himself, said he hopes the global attention will help raise support for a rehabilitation and education centre for vulnerable children.
“We have that big dream. It’s a very huge opportunity for the Ghetto Kids, for me, for the children,” he said.
