East Africa takes centre stage at World Cup concert

TANZANIAN artist, Raymond Mwakyusa, alias Rayvanny and Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids will represent East Africa on the global stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026 events in Toronto, Canada.

Rayvanny performs tonight at the FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert, linking up with Canadian singer and dancer, Nora Fatehi, for a collaborative performance of their hit single “Tetema.” The lineup for the show includes Wyclef Jean, Davido, Major Lazer, Tyla, and Rema.

“It’s a big step in my music life. As an artist, I take this chance to promote Tanzania to the world,” Rayvanny said. Concurrently, Kampala’s Ghetto Kids have secured a slot to perform alongside Colombian pop star Shakira during the tournament’s main event schedule.

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The Ghetto Kids, founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, operates as a dance and performing arts project supporting orphaned and disadvantaged children in the Ugandan capital.

The World Cup selection marks their largest audience to date. The group founder, Dauda Kavuma, said the performance would inspire countless young people facing difficult circumstances.

“This one is very different. It’s a huge opportunity for the Ghetto Kids, for me, and for the children. Those who have no hope will still have hope,” he said. One of the troupe’s dancers, Josephine Busingye, said members were eagerly looking forward to sharing the stage with Shakira during one of the world’s mostwatched sporting events.

“I feel so excited. We can’t wait to perform with Shakira, and we can’t wait to show the world what we are,” she said.