The Ghetto Kids, a dance group from Kampala, Uganda, performed at the World Cup final half-time show this week, sharing the stage with international artists Shakira and Burna Boy. The performance, which took place during the match between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide. Members of the group, including 10-year-old Sierra and 11-year-old Josephine, described the experience as transformative and expressed excitement about meeting famous football players and performers.
The dance troupe, founded by manager Dauda Kavuma, originated from Kampala’s underprivileged communities and comprises children from homeless backgrounds and those unable to afford school fees. Kavuma’s vision centers on identifying and developing talent within economically disadvantaged areas by combining various African dance styles with comedy and performance. The group’s path to international recognition began with viral success on social media platforms, particularly following their appearance in French Montana’s 2017 music video “Unforgettable,” which has accumulated substantial viewership on YouTube.
The Ghetto Kids’ trajectory includes appearances on major talent competition platforms, reaching the final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2023 and competing in America’s Got Talent the following year. Prior to the World Cup performance, the group appeared at a Paris Saint-Germain football match in 2023 and have been the subject of a documentary film. The organization has expanded beyond entertainment to provide housing, food, and educational support to numerous children across Uganda.
Despite their growing fame and international engagements, the children maintain focus on education as a primary priority. Parents and management ensure that performance-related content and travel are scheduled around school commitments, with members attending classes during weekdays and completing schoolwork when away for performances. Both Sierra and Josephine aspire to careers in medicine while continuing to pursue dance, with the group emphasizing the importance of self-belief and dedication to talent for young people facing difficult circumstances.
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