Uganda’s Ghetto Kids may have returned home from the FIFA World Cup, but their journey with Shakira is only just beginning.
The Colombian superstar has expressed her desire to visit Uganda and continue working with the celebrated dance troupe, according to their founder and coach, Dauda Kavuma.
Speaking during the group’s homecoming at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, Kavuma revealed that Shakira’s support did not end with the World Cup final.
Instead, she and her team arranged another performance for the dancers at New York’s Barclays Center before they travelled back to Uganda.
Our journey with Shakira did not end at the World Cup final. She and her team arranged another show for us at the Barclays Center, and while we were there, she told us she wants to visit Uganda and continue working with us.
Kavuma also shared the extraordinary effort it took to get the children to the United States.
With the U.S. Embassy in Kampala temporarily suspending visa services during Uganda’s Ebola outbreak, Shakira’s team explored several alternatives before routing the troupe through Ecuador.
The dancers spent 21 days there in quarantine before securing visas that allowed them to travel to America.
Kavuma thanked Ugandan businessman Amos Nzeyi, MTN Uganda, Everyday Biscuits, and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) for supporting the children throughout the unexpected delay.
After overcoming those challenges, the Ghetto Kids went on to perform alongside Shakira and Burna Boy during the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, creating a moment that continues to open new doors.
