Shakira Pens Emotional Tribute to Young Ugandan Dancers
Shakira shares a heartfelt message for young Ugandan dancers after their FIFA World Cup halftime show performance.
Los Angeles, August 4: Global music icon Shakira has shared an emotional message of love and gratitude for the young dancers from Uganda who joined her and Burna Boy during the FIFA World Cup final halftime show, describing the children as a source of inspiration and saying she now loves them "like children of my own."
The Grammy-winning singer took to Instagram to post a series of photographs capturing moments spent with the children off stage. Alongside the images, she wrote a heartfelt note reflecting on the bond they formed during their time together.
'You Taught Us the Miracle of Unconditional Love'
In her post, Shakira recalled spending several days with the children, including taking them to the beach for what she said was their first-ever visit.
She wrote that their kindness, openness and ability to connect with people left a lasting impression on her and those around them.
"These past few days have been filled with inexplicable love. 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."
The singer added that saying goodbye was especially difficult because of the affection and warmth the children shared so naturally.
"You know how to give and receive love in a way that I have never seen before. It made our days brighter and showed us the miracle that happens when we let our guards down and open our hearts."
'I Love You Like You Are Children of My Own'
Shakira said the experience reminded her that love transcends geographical, cultural and linguistic differences.
In her message, she expressed her belief that every child deserves equal care and compassion, regardless of where they come from.
"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 went on to say that children are a shared responsibility of humanity.
"Children come to this world through their mothers and fathers, but they are all our responsibility and belong to all of us."
A Personal Thank You
Shakira concluded her tribute by thanking each of the young performers by name—Ivan, Ricky, Joseph, Brighton, Kesha, Jojo, Ciara and Ketra—for the joy and life lessons they shared.
She wrote that their presence had reminded her of the importance of compassion, connection and purpose, ending her message with, "We love you always and forever."
The heartfelt post has drawn widespread appreciation from fans, many praising the singer for highlighting the importance of empathy, inclusion and the universal bond shared among children across the world.
