Uganda's Ghetto Kids Perform at World Cup Final With Shakira, Burna Boy Before 82,500 Fans
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 24
Uganda's Ghetto Kids Perform at World Cup Final With Shakira, Burna Boy Before 82,500 Fans
2 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 24
Summary
Sunday's World Cup final put Uganda's Ghetto Kids on their biggest stage yet, with the child dance troupe joining Shakira and Burna Boy at halftime during Spain's win over Argentina in New Jersey.
10-year-old Sierra and 11-year-old Josephine told the BBC the appearance was a dream come true, saying they were thrilled to see Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal and to hug the two music stars on stage.
Manager Dauda Kavuma said the group rose from poor neighborhoods in Kampala through relentless practice and viral exposure, including French Montana's 2017 "Unforgettable" video, which has topped 1.9 billion YouTube views.
That success has since led to Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent appearances and helped Kavuma expand a project providing housing, food and tuition for children across Uganda.
Even with global fame, the troupe says school comes first: weekday classes are protected, travel includes online lessons, and both girls say they want to become doctors while continuing to dance.