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Uganda: Children to dance with Shakira in VM final halftime show
🇸🇪 Sweden /Culture & Society

Uganda: Children to dance with Shakira in VM final halftime show

From Dagens Nyheter · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Twenty Ugandan street children, known as the "Ghettokids," will perform with Shakira during the VM final halftime show.
  • The group gained international recognition through viral dance videos shared on social media.
  • Their journey from the streets of Kampala to a global stage highlights their resilience and the power of dance.

A group of 20 Ugandan children, formerly living on the streets of Kampala, are set to perform alongside global music icon Shakira during the halftime show of the VM final. Known as the "Ghettokids," these young dancers have captivated audiences worldwide with their energetic performances and inspiring story.

We were here eating breakfast and then Akram, who manages our social media accounts, came running down the stairs shouting for us to see the news. We couldn't believe it was true.

— King (15-year-old Ghettokids member)Describing the moment the children found out about the opportunity to perform with Shakira.

The group's journey began 12 years ago when five street children were filmed dancing spontaneously in the Katwe slum. Dauda Kavuma, who had experienced life on the streets himself, recognized the potential and began nurturing their talent. The children started posting more videos online, showcasing their joy and resilience, which quickly turned them into an internet phenomenon.

Their online popularity, particularly on Instagram where they boast 9.3 million followers, led to invitations for talent shows in the UK and USA. Significant advertising revenue followed, enabling the creation of a three-story building in Kampala that serves as a dance studio and dormitory for 60 children. Kavuma emphasizes that it's a "home for children" rather than an orphanage, aiming to provide a supportive environment.

I think the secret is that we are happy and joyful in our clips. We don't show 'we have it so bad, come and help us.' Instead, we try to spread unadulterated joy and it's contagious.

— King (15-year-old Ghettokids member)Explaining the group's strategy for connecting with their audience through positive energy.

The "Ghettokids" attribute their success to the happiness and positivity they project in their videos, rather than focusing on their difficult circumstances. This infectious joy has resonated with millions, culminating in the upcoming performance with Shakira. However, the article notes a growing concern that their dream performance might be jeopardized by potential political developments related to Donald Trump, though the specifics remain unclear.

I prefer to talk about a 'home for children' rather than a 'children's home,' a word that carries many negative connotations in Uganda.

— Dauda Kavuma (Ghettokids manager)Explaining the terminology used to describe their facility and its positive impact.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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