Afrigo at 50 – The giants who built the legacy
Today, Afrigo Band stands tall as Uganda’s longest-surviving live band. Their journey from smoky club stages to international festival spotlights is more than a success story — it’s a living archive of our culture, preserved through the hands, hearts, and voices of giants.
Fifty years ago, in the turbulent heart of 1975 Kampala, a group of passionate musicians made a simple but defiant choice: to keep Uganda dancing, no matter the storms ahead. Out of that decision was born Afrigo Band — a musical force that has not only endured, but has become the soundtrack of an entire nation’s memories.
Today, Afrigo Band stands tall as Uganda’s longest-surviving live band. Their journey from smoky club stages to international festival spotlights is more than a success story — it’s a living archive of our culture, preserved through the hands, hearts, and voices of giants.
Moses Matovu – The Visionary Leader
If Afrigo Band is a ship, Moses Matovu has been its captain for all 50 years. Saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, arranger, and mentor, Matovu’s leadership has been the band’s anchor. Through coups, exiles, and shifting musical trends, his unshakable commitment to live performance kept Afrigo from being just another casualty of history. Under his watch, Afrigo mastered a fusion of kadongo kamu storytelling, rumba rhythms, jazz improvisation, and a distinctly Ugandan warmth.
Charles Ssekyanzi – The Timekeeper
Co-founder and drummer extraordinaire, Charles Ssekyanzi gave Afrigo its heartbeat. His mastery of rhythm meant Afrigo could seamlessly glide from the slow, romantic sway of Jim to the pulsing energy of dance floor favourites. Ssekyanzi’s drum kit was never just an instrument; it was a call to the crowd — get up and move.
Geoffrey Kizito Lutaaya – The Bass Foundation
Every great band needs a rock, and Lutaaya was Afrigo’s. His bass lines were deep, clean, and unshakably steady, the kind you could build a house on. His arrangements anchored the band’s intricate blend of African and Western instrumentation, making every performance feel rich and full-bodied.
Tony Senkebejje – The Gentleman of Song
Known for his velvety voice and commanding stage presence, Senkebejje turned Afrigo’s ballads into love letters. Songs like Olumbe Lw’Obwavu and Semuwemba carried his romantic touch, making him a favourite at weddings, dinner dances, and pan-African stages. He gave Afrigo the gift of elegance.
Other Pillars and Torchbearers
Afrigo’s roster over the decades reads like a who’s who of Ugandan music — from Joanita Kawalya’s soulful vocals, to Rachael Magoola’s high-energy performances, to Eddy Yawe’s modern crowd appeal. Each brought their own chapter to the Afrigo story, ensuring that every generation finds its reflection in the music.
The Achievements that Made History
- A Cultural Constant: Afrigo has outlasted every political era since its founding, playing through changing regimes without losing its core identity.
- Cross-Border Ambassadors: From Nairobi’s Carnivore grounds to Kigali’s cultural festivals, Afrigo exported Ugandan sound long before “East African music” was a brand.
- Mentorship: Dozens of Uganda’s top musicians cut their teeth under Afrigo’s wings, learning stage discipline, arrangement skills, and the art of live performance.
- Timeless Hits: Songs like Jim, Nantongo, and Maria remain staples at celebrations, bridging generations with lyrics and melodies that never age.
The Secret to Fifty Years
Afrigo’s survival is no accident. It comes down to three things:
- Leadership Stability – Matovu’s steady hand kept the ship from splintering during turbulent times.
- Adaptability – Afrigo evolved with every decade, from vinyl to streaming, without losing its soul.
- Collective Ownership – Every member, past and present, has understood that Afrigo is bigger than any one individual.
Golden Jubilee and Beyond
As Afrigo marks its 50th year on 16th August 2025 with the Legends of Sound: Afrigo at 50 Golden Jubilee Concert, they’re not just celebrating longevity — they’re reaffirming a promise. A promise that Uganda will always have a live soundtrack, played with skill, soul, and a sense of history.
For every wedding dance, every Independence celebration, every quiet night where their music has been the companion, Afrigo has been there. And as they step into the next chapter, the band remains what it has always been: a bridge between the past, present, and future of Ugandan music.
Afrigo Band at 50 — not just a milestone, but a living monument to the giants who dared to dream, and the generations who keep the dream alive.
