19 Jul From Kampala’s Streets to the World Cup Final: The Remarkable Rise of Uganda’s Ghetto Kids
New York New | Jersey Stadium | 07/18/2026
The African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA) made history in 2016 by bringing Uganda’s Ghetto Kids to the United States for the first time as special guests during the 2nd African Entertainment Awards USA. A decade later, the celebrated dance troupe is preparing for yet another defining career milestone after being invited to perform alongside global superstar Shakira during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final halftime show in New Jersey.
The journey of the Ghetto Kids is one of the most inspiring success stories in African entertainment. Founded in Kampala’s Katwe community by Dauda Kavuma in 2014, the group began as a platform to give disadvantaged children hope through dance and performing arts. Their breakthrough came after a homemade dance video to Eddy Kenzo’s hit song Sitya Loss went viral across social media, capturing millions of viewers worldwide and introducing the young dancers to an international audience.
Recognizing their extraordinary talent and global potential, AEAUSA invited the Ghetto Kids to the United States in 2016 for the organization’s second annual awards ceremony. The visit exposed the young performers to international audiences and marked one of the earliest major opportunities for the group in America, helping showcase Uganda’s creative talent on a global platform.
Presenting the 2025 African Entertainment Awards USA Recognition Award to the Ghetto Kids in New Jersey alongside his daughter, Ayomi Tamin, AEAUSA President Dominic Tamin reflected on the group’s remarkable journey. “When we first welcomed the Ghetto Kids to the United States in 2016, we saw extraordinary talent, determination and limitless potential. Today, watching them prepare to perform on the world’s biggest football stage is a proud moment not only for Uganda but for the entire African continent. Their journey proves that talent, when given an opportunity, can transform lives and inspire generations. AEAUSA remains committed to discovering, celebrating and elevating African talent to the global stage.”
Over the years, the Ghetto Kids continued to build an impressive international résumé. They featured in French Montana’s global hit Unforgettable, performed at major sporting and entertainment events, appeared before football stars at Paris Saint-Germain, and earned worldwide admiration after receiving the Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023. Each appearance elevated the group’s reputation as one of Africa’s most recognizable dance collectives.
Now, their remarkable journey has reached another historic chapter. Colombian music icon Shakira has personally invited the Ugandan dancers to join her performance during the halftime entertainment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. The invitation followed the worldwide popularity of dance videos inspired by the tournament’s official song, further cementing the Ghetto Kids’ reputation as global ambassadors of African dance and youth talent.
For the children who once danced barefoot in the streets of Kampala, the World Cup Final represents far more than another performance. It symbolizes resilience, determination and the limitless possibilities that emerge when talent meets opportunity.
Their story also reflects the growing influence of African creatives on the world stage. From local community performances to the biggest sporting event on earth, the Ghetto Kids have demonstrated that dreams born in the most challenging circumstances can inspire millions across the globe.
As millions of viewers tune in for the FIFA World Cup Final, Africa will proudly watch one of its brightest success stories take center stage once again—proof that talent knows no boundaries and that the journey from Kampala’s streets to the world’s biggest stage is possible.