Full Breakdown
Ugandan Ghetto Kids Invited to World Cup Final Halftime Show Amid Ebola Travel Restrictions
5/28/2026, 9:53:41 PM
Invitation to Perform at FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show
Colombian singer Shakira announced that Uganda’s Ghetto Kids will join her on the halftime stage of the FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The troupe of 60 children ages 4-16, all from poor backgrounds, will perform with Shakira, Madonna and BTS. The group previously appeared in Shakira’s anthem “Dai Dai” and the 2010 World Cup song “Waka Waka.”
Origins and Rise of the Ghetto Kids
Manager Dauda Kavuma founded the group in Kampala at a foundation for vulnerable children. In 2014, five members posted a dance video to Eddy Kenzo’s “Sitya Loss,” which went viral after the singer shared it. The troupe later appeared on “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League,” “Britain’s Got Talent,” and in a French Montana music video, gaining a global online following.
Ebola Outbreak and Travel Restrictions
Uganda confirmed seven Ebola cases and one death linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting an immediate border closure with Congo. The United States and Canada have barred entry to non-citizens who visited Uganda, Congo or South Sudan within the past 21 days. The restrictions leave the troupe’s travel to the July 19 U.S. performance uncertain.
Official Statements & Responses
Shakira announced that she has invited the Ghetto Kids to join her halftime performance and described the show as intended to be unforgettable. Manager Dauda Kavuma highlighted the troupe’s use of music, dance and drama to improve lives and expressed confidence that travel would be possible. Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed the border closure; U.S. officials cited health concerns for the travel ban.
Criticism & Concerns
Health officials and travel authorities highlight the risk of cross-border Ebola transmission, leading to the 21-day entry ban. Critics argue that the restrictions could prevent the children—Uganda’s sole representatives at a tournament the nation did not qualify for—from performing, underscoring tension between cultural exchange and disease control.
Data & Statistics
- 60 troupe members, ages 4-16
- 7 confirmed Ebola cases, 1 death in Uganda
- Approximately 1.7 million orphaned children in Uganda
- World Cup final expected to attract >1 billion viewers
- Group formed in 2014; viral video reached millions
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve already invited the Ghetto Kids from Uganda,” — Shakira, singer
- “unforgettable.” — Shakira, describing the performance
- “We feel so excited. I can’t wait to show the world what we’ve got.” — Tiyoma Keysha, 11, dancer
- “We are using music, dance and drama to make lives better,” — Dauda Kavuma, manager
- “We believe all will be fine. With God’s grace, nothing is impossible,” — Dauda Kavuma, manager
What’s Next
The World Cup final halftime show is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium. The Ghetto Kids remain hopeful of obtaining travel clearance, while health authorities continue monitoring the Ebola situation and enforcing the entry ban. Their participation will depend on the resolution of the travel restrictions.
