Shakira celebrates Ghetto Kids, urges govts to invest in children for equal opportunities
By Katemarthason Okudo, July 25, 2026Colombian music star Shakira has praised Uganda’s Ghetto Kids following their performance at the FIFA World Cup final halftime show, saying the dance group reminded the world of the untapped potential that exists in children when they are given the right opportunities.
In a statement shared on her Instagram page on Friday, July 24, 2026, Shakira reflected on the impact the young dancers had on audiences around the world and called on governments, business leaders and professionals to invest more in children.
Her remarks come days after the Ghetto Kids shared the stage with Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy during the World Cup final halftime show, introducing millions of viewers to their energetic dance routines.
Shakira praises the group’s talent
The singer described the Ugandan dance group as a source of inspiration, saying their performance highlighted the importance of supporting children with talent regardless of their background.
Before sharing her message, Shakira noted that the children’s joy and passion had left a lasting impression on everyone involved in the performance.
“The Ghetto Kids have brought us their contagious joy and love, and have inspired us so much with their talent, reminding us that, like them, there are many children who live forgotten and possess enormous potential waiting to be unlocked. They are just waiting for the opportunity to offer their best,” she wrote.
Her message quickly attracted praise from fans, with many applauding her for using her platform to highlight opportunities for children around the world.
Calls for greater investment in children
Shakira also used the moment to encourage leaders to prioritise children’s welfare and development.
She questioned why more resources are not directed towards helping young people achieve their dreams regardless of where they come from.
“What could be more urgent for our governments, businesspeople and professionals than investing in children? What has to happen so that children around the world receive equal opportunities?” she asked.
She concluded her message by thanking the Ghetto Kids for inspiring conversations about the importance of giving every child a chance to succeed. “Thank you to the Ghetto Kids of Uganda for awakening these questions in us and for transforming our lives with your magic,” she added.
A memorable World Cup moment
Shakira’s remarks come after the Ghetto Kids reached another career milestone by performing during the FIFA World Cup final halftime show on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
The Ugandan dance group joined Shakira and Burna Boy on stage in front of a global audience, delivering one of the most talked-about performances of the night.
As the performance came to an end, the children warmly embraced both Shakira and Burna Boy on stage. Their manager, Dauda Kavuma, later explained that the moment was a genuine expression of appreciation rather than part of the show’s choreography.
For the Ghetto Kids, performing at football’s biggest event marked another major achievement in a journey that has seen them rise from local dance competitions to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages. Their appearance also renewed conversations about the power of nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for children to pursue their dreams.