As fireworks lit up the sky above the New Jersey stadium and millions tuned in for the first-ever FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show, some of the loudest cheers were reserved for a group of young dancers whose journey began thousands of kilometres away on the streets of Kampala.
Dressed in vibrant yellow costumes adorned with traditional African neck beads, Uganda's Ghetto Kids delivered an electrifying performance, dancing alongside global pop star Shakira and acclaimed afrobeats sensation Burna Boy, in front of one of the largest television audiences in the world.
For the children, it was a performance that followed years of resilience, hope and determination.
"Dreams really do come true," the group wrote after the show on Instagram. "Performing at the World Cup Halftime Show with Shakira was an experience we will carry with us for a lifetime. Thank you to Shakira, FIFA, Global Citizen, Burna Boy, our fellow Ugandans, fans everywhere, and all our partners for being part of this."
The message ended with the hashtag that has become the group's mission statement: #MakingLifeBetterThroughDance.
Giving back
Long before they performed before a global audience, the Ghetto Kids were simply children filming dance routines in the narrow streets of Uganda's capital.
Originally known as the Triplets Ghetto Kids, the group was formed from children and teenagers growing up in some of Kampala's poorest neighbourhoods. Their dance energy and remarkable choreography first caught international attention in 2014 when they appeared in Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo's hit music video Sitya Loss.
The viral success has since transformed their lives.
From neighbourhood performers, they became international ambassadors for African dance, appearing on television shows, performing around the world and collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Their profile rose even higher after reaching audiences on Britain's Got Talent in 2023, introducing millions more viewers to their story.
Today, the group commands a massive online following, with more than 9 million followers on Instagram and over 13 million on TikTok, while earning accolades including Best Dance Group honours at both the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) and the African Entertainment Awards USA.
Yet despite the fame, their mission has remained unchanged.
The Ghetto Kids are more than a dance troupe. They are part of the Inspire Ghetto Kids Foundation, a Ugandan non-profit organisation established in 2007 by Kavuma Dauda.
Dauda understands the hardships the children face because he once lived them himself.
Orphaned at a young age, he spent part of his childhood living on Kampala's streets before later qualifying as a mathematician. Determined to help vulnerable children avoid a similar fate, he created the foundation to offer opportunities through music, dance and education.
Today, the organisation provides food, shelter, healthcare and schooling to around 60 orphaned and vulnerable children while nurturing their artistic talents.
