The fifth episode of Tusker Malt Conversessions aired on YouTube yesterday at 6pm, and it was nothing short of iconic.
Featuring the legendary Afrigo Band, Uganda’s longest-standing musical group, the episode served as a rich tapestry of history, emotion, and exceptional musical artistry.
Set against an expansive stage designed to accommodate the full ensemble, the show provided the perfect backdrop for the band’s dynamic and soulful presence. It was a celebration of resilience, legacy, and unity.
From the very first note of their opening song Sirina, viewers were transported back in time. The band then took fans on an exhilarating journey through their discography, performing beloved tracks like Music, Jim, Obangaina, Sikulimba, and Abaana B’Afrigo. The performances were heartfelt and powerful, proof that Afrigo Band continues to play with the same fire and passion that has defined their decades-long legacy.
Running for over an hour, this particular episode stood out for its depth and emotional resonance. Despite its length, the episode held viewers captivated from start to finish, offering a rare and intimate space for every band member to share their personal Conversessions.
Moses Matovu, the founding member shared his own reflections on navigating music through political instability. Joanita Kawalya, Sarah Namulondo, Racheal Magoola, and Herman Ssewanyana also spoke candidly about the band’s internal dynamics, sacrifices, and evolution. The episode was a beautifully layered tribute to Afrigo Band’s collective journey.
Throughout the episode, the band members opened up in candid, emotional conversations. Matovu spoke of the socio-political struggles that shaped their journey, from disrupted education due to civil unrest to the challenges of sourcing musical instruments during Uganda’s most turbulent times. Yet, amid all this, Afrigo Band was born in 1975, out of a dream to share music that moves and unites.
“Even with political instability, we found a way to keep the music alive,” Matovu shared.
Joanita Kawalya, Racheal Magoola, Sarah Namulondo, and Herman Ssewanyana echoed the band’s enduring values of support, family, and creativity. From pioneering dance routines in live performances to the challenges of balancing music with family life, their stories painted a compelling picture of the highs and lows behind the music.
“The work often meant being away from home at critical times. But it’s the strength of our relationships that kept us going,” said Racheal Magoola, as she reflected on the sacrifices behind the spotlight.
Mercy Atwongyeire, Project Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, praised the band for their performance and enduring impact on Ugandan music saying,
“Afrigo Band is a national treasure. Their performance on Tusker Malt Conversessions was a celebration of everything we stand for: authenticity, artistry, and timeless excellence. Through this platform, we aim to give fans a deeper connection to the music they love and to the legends behind it. As we build toward the grand finale, fans can expect an even more unforgettable experience, one that will honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of Ugandan music.”
With only one episode remaining in this season of Tusker Malt Conversessions, Afrigo Band’s story stands as a stirring tribute to the power of music to endure, evolve, and empower.
