Fans sang along to Afrigo’s songs on Saturday night, as the band and Eddy Yawe paid tribute to departed founder- Moses Matovu, at Garden Courts Hotel. Afrigo fans from all corners of Masaka city and neighboring areas came in numbers to watch a band that is credited to have sound tracked Uganda’s history over the years.
Matovu founded Afrigo Band in 1975, and served as the lead vocalist, saxophonist, manager and leader until his death on 24 September. With songs such as Afrigo Batuuse and Speed, the band managed to make people dance, but while at it, warn them about the carnage on the roads, thus going beyond just entertaining, and turning into educators. And their sound was accessible- a bit of Rumba and Kwaito, but arranged in the most spoken local language- Luganda.
Today Afrigo is among Uganda’s longest-standing groups, and its mix of traditional African rhythms, Congolese Rumba and Jazz, has kept it popular across age groups.
On Saturday, however, their return to Masaka was a different one- they were staging their first show in the town without Papa Moi, as many people called Mzee Matovu. And of course the first show where his son, Ibra Matovu was in the titular role as the band’s lead singer.
There was anticipation at the Garden Courts, because Afrigo Band is quite beloved at the venue. In fact, they gave Masaka a perfect end-of-year party to celebrate 2025.
By 8pm, the ground was almost full, with a mixed audience of young and old people.
But since the show started early, revelers took sometime off to catch up, while enjoying delicious cocktails by the event main sponsor- Johnnie Walker.
Brand Manager Raymond Raph Karama said: “Moses Matovu’s contribution to Uganda’s music industry is a legacy worth celebrating. He kept walking, one step at a time and built a legacy that will live many years after him. We are proud to be part of an evening that honours his impact.”
Then the music started playing. First onstage was politician and artist Eddie Yawe, who is also a regular with Afrigo Band. Yawe usually performs his own songs on top of the band’s classics. As expected, he started with some of his classics- Tukigale and Kati Onoba, before pivoting to oldies such as Sammy Kasule’s Ozze Munange and Ekitobero.
But he left the stage for Matovu, yes, Ibra, who stepped onto the stage in Masaka for the first time. He has quickly adopted his father’s fangaroo hat, a floral cream and black shirt and blue pants.
“Olimujawa omusajja asingaaa…….,” he started, an iconic line that starts one of Afrogo’s biggest songs- Oswadde Nyo, which some people suspiciously refer to as Sikulimba. The cheers from the audience were probably a reassurance, he seemed quite energized after that first song that the rest of the night was an easy sail.
From mellow ones such as Twali Twagalana, Sirina, and those that did not leave anyone in their seats, like Afrigo Batuuse. But of course, there is more to the band than the man at the front, Sewanyana was for instance as animated on the kongas, and both Rachel Magoola and Joanita Kawalya were graceful while backing up.
The two took intervals at the lead to perform Obangaina and Jim respectively.
By the time the band was leaving the stage, some revelers were already using their golden Johnnie Walker cups as microphones to sing along. Just like that, Masaka, in their own way, celebrated the man whose music has defined generations, alongside the globally renowned celebratory whisky- Johnnie Walker.
