Colombian singer Shakira invited Uganda’s Ghetto Kids to stay at her home after they performed with her during the 2026 World Cup final, taking the young dancers to the beach for the first time.
The group of children and teenagers from Kampala had joined Shakira on stage for a high-energy routine at the tournament’s closing ceremony. In the days that followed, she welcomed them into her residence, where they spent time with her family and friends.
Shakira later posted an emotional message describing the visit.
“These past few days have been filled with inexplicable love,” she wrote. “I took you to the beach for the first time in your lives, and we spent time together every day along with family and friends while we were all in awe watching how you transform every place you go to and touch every person you meet.”
She said saying goodbye had been difficult because of the way the children gave and received affection.
“It was too hard to say goodbye to you because you know how to give and receive love in a way that I have never seen before and that not only made our days brighter but also showed us the miracle that it is when we let our guards down, and open our hearts to do the same,” Shakira added.
The singer said the experience reinforced her belief that children everywhere deserve equal care.
“You proved to us that we can love each other no matter where we come from, regardless of what we have or lack. And though you are from another continent, live in a different culture, and speak another language, now I love you like you are children of my own,” she wrote.
Addressing the group by name—Ivan, Ricky, Joseph, Brighton, Kesha, Jojo, Ciara and Ketra—she thanked them for the lessons they had shared.
“Children come to this world through their mothers and fathers, but they are all of our responsibility and belong to all of us… We love you always and forever!”
