By Reporter
Founded in 1975, The Afrigo Band is still to date the oldest and favorite local band offering Ugandans cultural flavored beats throughout the regions across East Africa covering, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda & Burundi. The band was formed by a group of eight musicians led by their band leader, vocalist, and alto saxophonist, Moses Matovu, who turned 70years continues to lead the band on its 44th anniversary as the oldest member, 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 November 1975. The eight founding band members were:Moses MatovuCharles SsekyanziJeff SewavaPaddy NsubugaPaulo SerumaggaFred LuyombyaGeoffrey KizitoAnthony KyeyuneAs 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, composerHerman Ssewanyana – CongasCharles Ssekyanzi Mutagubya – Vocalist, trumpet player, composer Mansur Bulegeya Akiki – Tenor saxophonistRude Bou Devoh- Vocalist and drummer. Joanita Kawalya – Vocalist, dancerRachael Magoola – Vocalist, dancer, ComposerRashid Musoke (RIP) – memberPaul Serumaga (RIP) – Founder member Godfrey Mwambala – memberTony Sengo – memberTonny Ssenkebejje – Solo guitarist. The band has 21 albums as of 11th, October 2019.
Come 11th October 2019 at Hotel Africana-Nile Hall, Uganda’s oldest band in Uganda is more than ready to unleash their new ‘Teri Mubi’ album to their loyal and staunch fans.
To show appreciation to the music evolution in Uganda, Legendary singer, Jose Chameleone is the only artiste who features on their album.