UGANDA: Uganda's Ghetto Kids dance away from life on streets.

Record ID: 421480

  • Title: UGANDA: Uganda's Ghetto Kids dance away from life on streets.
  • Date: 15th September 2014
  • Summary: KAMPALA, UGANDA (RECENT) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF GHETTO KID DANCERS PERFORMING AT CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL IN KAMPALA CHILDREN IN AUDIENCE WATCHING GHETTO KIDS (SOUNDBITE) (English) PHIONA NAMUTEBI, AUDIENCE MEMBER SAYING: "Actually the strokes they have, I can't even try, they are way too good." MORE OF GHETTO KIDS DANCING
  • Embargoed: 30th September 2014 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Uganda
  • Country: Uganda
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVADIX1O2YP6CTY11ZO4H5GJ5AH7
  • Story Text: Uganda's Ghetto Kids have just taken to the stage at a concert in Uganda's capital, Kampala. The young dancers are all former street kids who've found fame with their intricate dance moves.
    Aged between eight and 14-years-old, their high energy performances are winning fans across the East African nation.
    "Actually the strokes they have, I can't even try, they are way too good," said Phiona Namutebi, another audience member.
    These days all their performances are packed, drawing hundreds of young fans.
    "The Sitya Loss kids have got the talent, they are really good, they know how to twist their waists. I think they have a bright future, they would be the great stars of this nation," said Sandra Aliga, another audience member.
    The Ghetto Kids popularity has been growing since they posted this video on YouTube in January this year. The video which sees them dancing to the song "Sitya Loss" by local musician, Eddy Kenzo now has over five million hits.
    The video has spawned a series of other fan videos from across the world.
    Journalist, Brenda Banura was the first person to interview the kids.
    "From the story we did, we learnt that some of them were not going to school and now they are going to school just because of that video which has opened very many doors for them, the musician Eddy kenzo has featured them in very many music videos of his, more people are inviting them more for events, wedding and different functions, School functions, now a children's event is not a children's event if those kids do not come and perform, they are crazy about them," said Banura.
    Alex Sempijja is one of the principal dancers of the group. Most of the Ghetto Kids come from impoverished neighbourhoods like this.
    Alex lives here with his family. We met the 12-year-old performer at home as he was finishing his chores.
    "My life is a lot better. Today, we can all sit at home and have lunch as a family. Before this, I would have gone to the streets and the family would have lunch while I am away. I would come back at night but now I go fetch water. After eating I wash utensils and stay at home, in the past I was rebellious beyond imagining,"
    Alex's mother, Nakito Harriet says she has noticed a significant change in his behaviour since he joined Ghetto Kids.
    "He used to be accused of committing crimes and I could not defend him because I often did not know where he was but these days, everyone is running to me to say only good things about him. I am so happy, looking at where he is, everyone is asking how he got there," admits Harriet.
    To perfect their moves, the kids practice nearly every day with their instructor and mentor, Dawuda Kavuma. Formed in 2008, the group now has 20 members. Any money they make from their performances is used to buy costumes, pay for school fees and to help support their families.
    "Generally, we are very happy and we thank God for what all that he has provided and the way he made us today and the coming future because I see now day and night, see now life is changing. At least now everybody is recognising those kids and me," explained Kavuma.
    Life is slowly changing for the Ghetto Kids. They hope their new found popularity is not simply a fad but through dance and music, they can build a future for themselves and their families.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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