Shakira Says She Loves Uganda’s Ghetto Kids “Like They Are Children of My Own”

Colombian superstar Shakira is making headlines for all the right reasons after opening her heart—and her home—to Uganda’s Triplets Ghetto Kids. Following their electrifying performance together at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show, the pop icon shared an emotional message about the young dancers who’ve clearly left an indelible mark on her life.

In a heartfelt social media post, Shakira revealed that the past few days had been filled with what she described as “inexplicable love.” The Grammy-winning artist took the Kampala-based troupe to experience the ocean for the first time in their lives, sharing meals, laughter, and precious moments with them alongside her own family and friends. “It was hard to say goodbye because they know how to give and receive love in a way I had never seen before,” she wrote, adding that their time together reinforced a powerful truth: every child deserves to be treated and loved as our own.

But Shakira didn’t stop at personal reflections. She used her platform to amplify a larger conversation about children’s welfare and untapped potential across the globe. Calling on governments, business leaders, and professionals to prioritize investment in young people, she posed a challenging question: “What has to happen so that kids around the world receive equal opportunities?” The Triplets Ghetto Kids—who first gained recognition through viral dance videos showcasing raw talent from the streets of Uganda’s capital—served as living proof of what’s possible when young people are given a chance to shine. Their journey to performing alongside Shakira and Burna Boy on “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup anthem, at one of the world’s biggest stages speaks volumes about talent that refuses to be contained by circumstance.

The young performers have since returned to Uganda, but the impact of their time in the United States—from ice cream outings to beach days to performing before millions—will undoubtedly resonate far beyond their trip. As Shakira put it, they’ve “transformed our lives with your magic,” reminding the world that investing in children isn’t just urgent—it’s essential.

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