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Afrigo Band Biography
The Afrigo Band is a Musical band in Uganda. It is the longest-lasting musical group in the history of Uganda, having existed for 44 years by August 2019. It is led by Moses Matovu.
History
The band was formed by a group of eight musicians led by their band leader, vocalist, and alto saxophonist, Moses Matovu, who continued to lead the band on its 38th anniversary. Playing to their fans at home in Uganda, the group tours regularly in Europe and the United States to play to Ugandans in the Diaspora. He has been performing with the band since and is its leader, as of February 2015. The eight founding band members were:
- Moses Matovu
- Charles Ssekyanzi
- Jeff Sewava
- Paddy Nsubuga
- Paulo Serumagga
- Fred Luyombya
- Anthony Kyeyune
- Geoffrey Kizito
Band members
As of January 2015, all except one of the founding band members had died. The band recruited replacements whenever a member left or died. Members of the band, past and present, include:
- Moses Matovu - founder member, band leader, saxophonist, lead vocals, composer
- Deo Mukungu - member, vocalist
- Herman Ssewanyana - congas
- Charles Ssekyanzi Mutagubya - vocalist, trumpet player, composer
- Mansur Bulegeya Akiki - tenor saxophonist
- Joanita Kawalya - vocalist, dancer
- Rachael Magoola - vocalist, dancer, composer
- Rashid Musoke - member
- Paul Serumaga - founder member
- Godfrey Mwambala - member
- Tony Sengo - member
- Tonny Ssenkebejje - solo guitarist
- Fred Kigozi - member
- Peter Bazanye - vocals
- Joe Tabula - vocals
- Frank Mbalire guitarist/vocals
- Edmond Ganja - guitarist/vocals
- Sammy Kasule - bassist/vocals
- Charles Busuulwa - bassist
- Eric Sabiiti - drummer
- Julious Nshaba - drummer
- Daniel Kaggwa - keyboards
- Isaac Zzimbe - drummer
- Jacinta Wamboga - dancer
- Sarah Namiyonga - dancer
- Aminye Rhoose - dancer
Discography
Some of the records and albums released by the band include the following:
| Year | Name of Record | Composer |
|---|---|---|
| Afrigo Batuuse | ||
| Akola Bwenkanya | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Musa | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Enneyisa | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Rose Guma | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Onnemye | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Nnemeddwa | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| 1999 | Obangaina | Rachael Magoola |
| Sipiidi Kendeeza | ||
| Olumbe Lwo'bwaavu | ||
| Sikulimba (Olunderebu) | ||
| Jim | Joanita Kawalya |
Recent developments
In January 2015, Afrigo Band began regular performances at Club Silk, in Kampala's Industrial area, every Friday evening. Although the club attracts a predominantly young audience, with the arrival of Afrigo, Club Silk is expected to ring in more mature revelers, above the age of 40 years. In November 2015, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary with a sold-out concert at Hotel Africana, in Kampala.