A group of children from Uganda is on the brink of achieving greatness as they have reached the final of the popular UK talent show, Britain’s Got Talent (BGT). Their captivating dance moves and vibrant personalities have won the hearts of both the judges and the public.
Making history, they were the first act to receive the coveted “golden buzzer” from one of the judges, propelling them directly to the semi-finals held on Wednesday. There, they garnered the highest number of public votes, securing their place among the ten acts competing in Sunday’s grand final.
The group consists of six children aged between six and thirteen, all hailing from underprivileged backgrounds in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. They were taken in and nurtured by their guardian-turned-manager, Dauda Kavuma. Kavuma, who runs the Inspire Ghetto Kids Foundation, expressed his hope that their success would inspire other children facing similar circumstances.
Inspiring Hope and Success
“We are overjoyed to continue on this journey and bring hope to children worldwide who live in ghettos, face disadvantages, and lack privileges, showing them that they can achieve success in life.”
While they are captivating a new audience in the UK, the Ghetto Kids have already become an internet sensation globally, even performing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, one of the group members, thirteen-year-old Priscilla Zawedde, revealed that winning the TV show and the £250,000 ($313,000) prize would mean “a bigger house for everyone.” Currently, thirty children share a five-bedroom house in Kampala under Kavuma’s care. The prospect of a larger home is a dream for them, providing more space to live comfortably.
From the Streets to Stardom
The Ghetto Kids presently rely on donations, earnings from their social media presence, and fees from live performances. Kavuma, who himself started life on the streets before being given an opportunity, established the foundation with the aim of supporting street children in the Makindye neighborhood of Kampala.
“People often believe that street kids have no value in society, but I saw things differently,” Kavuma explained. “What if I use music, dance, and drama to empower the underprivileged in the ghettos?”
For thirteen-year-old Akram Muyana, dancing has always been an escape from reality since his father’s passing. “Whenever I dance, I feel incredibly happy, and my stress dissipates. I began dancing at churches to earn money for my mother to buy clothes and food.”
These talented children represent the second generation of Kavuma’s Ghetto Kids to achieve global stardom. The first generation gained recognition after their dance video to Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo’s “Sitya Loss” garnered millions of views on YouTube.
