# Shakira and Ghetto Kids collaboration and recognition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/shakira-and-ugandan-ghetto-kids-collaboration
> Updated: 2026-08-21T05:44:09.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 4.

In late July 2026, Shakira shared studio photos and noted that the Ugandan dance troupe Ghetto Kids, who performed with her at the FIFA World Cup final halftime show, received an autographed World Cup ball. The group responded with a video inviting her to Uganda, showcasing landmarks such as the Nile’s source and referencing their joint track “Dai Dai”.

In early August, Shakira traveled to Uganda, spent several days off-stage with the children, took them to the beach for the first time, shared meals with their families, and posted a series of Instagram photos and a heartfelt message thanking each child by name and describing the experience as filled with “inexplicable love”.

On August 4, she posted an emotional farewell from Miami, where she had spent additional days with the group. She noted that saying goodbye was “muy duro” and emphasized a shared responsibility to care for younger generations, echoing that “the children belong to all of us.” In her post, she named all eight members—Ivan, Ricky, Joseph, Brighton, Kesha, Jojo, Ciara, and Ketra—and highlighted their vulnerable backgrounds in Kampala.

By late August, the Ghetto Kids received official recognition from the Parliament of Uganda. Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth commended the dancers for showcasing Ugandan talent globally, stating, “I know that where you start can never determine how far you can go.” Vice President Jessica Alupo also congratulated the group for representing the nation internationally.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Uganda Parliament honors Ghetto Kids for global recognition

Uganda’s Parliament and Vice President Jessica Alupo have honored the Ghetto Kids dance group for their global performances at the FIFA World Cup, praising them for representing the nation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uganda-parliament-honors-ghetto-kids-for-global-recognition

### 2026-08-04: Shakira says goodbye to Uganda's Ghetto Kids after World Cup halftime show

Shakira bids an emotional farewell to Uganda's Ghetto Kids after their World Cup halftime performance, recalling their Miami stay, first beach visit, and urging global care for children.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakira-bids-emotional-farewell-to-ugandas-ghetto-kids-after-world-cup-2026-final

### 2026-08-02: Shakira bids farewell to Uganda's Ghetto Kids after World Cup final

Shakira performed with Uganda's Ghetto Kids at the World Cup final, then took them to the beach, posted an emotional farewell calling them like her own children, and the group invited her to visit Uganda.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakira-invited-by-ugandas-ghetto-kids-to-visit-the-country

### 2026-07-31: Shakira shares studio photos during tour break, fans anticipate new music

Shakira posted studio photos during her tour pause, sparking fan speculation about new music, while Ugandan Triplets Ghetto Kids celebrate receiving her autographed World Cup ball from their historic 2026 final

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shakira-shares-studio-photos-during-tour-break-fans-anticipate-new-music

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Cite as: Shakira and Ghetto Kids collaboration and recognition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/shakira-and-ugandan-ghetto-kids-collaboration
