You came as strangers, left as my children: Shakira’s emotional farewell to Ghetto Kids

What the report says

Colombian singer Shakira has shared an emotional farewell message to Uganda’s Ghetto Kids after spending several days with the dance group during the FIFA Club World Cup, according to Sqoop Uganda. The children had travelled to the tournament for what the outlet described as a major opportunity, but their visit also led to a personal bond with the global star that she later reflected on in a post on Instagram.

Sqoop Uganda reported that Shakira said the youngsters left as “my children,” and that she felt close to them despite their different continents, cultures and languages. The article says she addressed the children individually by name and described the relationship as something that began by chance but became deeply meaningful. She also shared moments from their time together, including family introductions and a beach outing that she said left a strong impression on her.

The post was presented as a tribute to the children’s resilience and joy, with Shakira encouraging more care and support for children everywhere. The outlet said the message drew a strong reaction online, with fans praising her warmth toward the Ugandan troupe. More broadly, the episode highlighted the Ghetto Kids’ growing international profile, built from performances that have taken the Kampala-based group from street-dance beginnings to major global stages.