KAMPALA, Uganda — Colombian music superstar Shakira has shared an emotional farewell with Uganda’s Triplets Ghetto Kids after weeks of rehearsing and touring together, capping off a memorable collaboration that culminated in the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final.
The Ugandan dance troupe, made up of children aged between four and 16 and supported by the Triplets Ghetto Kids Foundation, joined Shakira on stage during the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. The group performed energetic choreography to Dai Dai, the tournament’s official anthem featuring Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
According to media reports, the farewell came after several weeks in which the children rehearsed, toured and performed alongside the Grammy-winning artist across the United States. During the emotional send-off, Shakira promised to stay in touch through video calls and expressed hope that the children would one day visit her in Madrid.
She also told them: “Don’t be sad Don’t cry We will be friends forever I promise, I’ll call you, Milan and Sasha will call you Do they want to go to Madrid? 😭😭😭 Shakira, you are an incredible human being.”
The Triplets Ghetto Kids described the singer as “a mother to all of us,” reflecting on a life-changing experience that also included exploring New York City and meeting members of the South Korean pop group BTS.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the group wrote: “Hey @shakira You Brought us contagious Joy and Love and We want to say we Love and Appreciate you so much! Thank you for being a Mother to all of us, And taking us in as your own! We will See you soon!”
The collaboration began after Shakira noticed the Ugandan children’s viral dance videos set to Dai Dai. Impressed by their choreography, she publicly invited them to perform with her during the World Cup final halftime show, a dream that quickly became reality.
Ahead of the performance, Shakira praised the dancers on social media, saying they had “changed our lives” and describing the time spent with them as “magical.” She added that the children had taught her and her team valuable lessons while preparing for the global spectacle.
The halftime performance marked another milestone in the rise of the Kampala-based dance troupe, which has earned international recognition through social media and performances promoting the talents of disadvantaged children. The group, which uses music, dance and drama to support orphaned and vulnerable children, has become one of Uganda’s most recognizable cultural exports.
Following the World Cup final, Shakira also used her global platform to call for greater investment in children living in vulnerable communities, saying governments, businesses and professionals should prioritize creating opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
The children’s appearance before a worldwide audience has been widely celebrated in Uganda as another landmark achievement for the country on the international entertainment stage.