THE OBSERVER l Wednesday l June 7 – 13, 2023WednesdayLite17 Simon Cowell and Ghetto Kids
With their bright smiles and optimistic outlook on life despite their unperfect circumstances, six children from the Ghetto Kids left their Makindye – Nakinyuguzi residence to head to the UK for a talent show, Britain’s Got Talent (BGT).
In three smooth dance routines – thanks to a Bruno Tonioli golden buzzer at their maiden performance – the children last Sunday represented Uganda at the BGT final at the Hammersmith Apollo with an energetic dance routine.
The children aged five to 13, are disadvantaged and live together in Uganda after being rescued from the streets by their ‘dad’ Daouda Kavuma. They depend on dance and donations for their livelihood.
Priscila, 12, Ashiraf, 12, Akram, 13, Shakib, 12, Madwanah, 13 and Josephine, five, showcased their moves on Sunday to a medley of upbeat songs, opening the finale performances with a bang.
They impressed despite one of the members being unable to dance after contracting malaria, but he joined in by holding up the Uganda flag while they were showered by golden glitter.
Tonioli said: “Seeing you makes me feel happy to be alive… you really are the pride of Africa.” Alesha Dixon said: “I can’t put it into words how much joy you have brought us this year. You’ve done Uganda proud.”
Head judge Simon Cowell asked the ‘joyous’ group to come back every single year, adding: “This isn’t easy, you’ve got a few days to prepare something, in terms of personality, talent, everything worked… for me by a mile this was your best performance.”
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won top prize. The children had hoped to scoop the £250,000 (about Shs 1bn) cash prize and use the money to build a bigger home in Uganda for themselves and other children in similar situations. They currently share a five-bedroom house with 25 other children.
In a BBC interview with Stephania Okereke, the children had earlier said they had not known that their dad had entered them in the competition, until they were admitted. And oh, their joy at being on such a platform!
Fame is not new to the Ghetto Kids. A first generation of the children went viral in 2014 with Eddy Kenzo’s Sitya Loss video that introduced them to the world.
They then performed at various international stages, and this current group has featured in music videos, including for French Montana, on top of making it to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, thanks to their dance moves.
They may not have brought the cash and trophy home, but for millions of Ugandans that have been rooting for them, Ghetto Kids are still the ultimate winners this year.
With edits from Internet sources.
Source: The Observer
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