Afrigo Band
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Afrigo Band | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Afrigo |
| Origin | Kampala - Uganda |
| Genres | African Rumba Kidandali Jazz |
| Years active | 1975 – present |
| Members | Joanita Kawalya, Rachel Magoola, Moses Matovu, Herman Ssewanyana |
| Past members | Frank Mbalire |
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.[1][2][3][4] It is led by Moses Matovu.
The band was formed by a group of eight musicians led by their band leader, vocalist, and alto saxophonist, Moses Matovu,[5] who continued to lead the band on its 38th anniversary.[2][4] 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.[6] He has been performing with the band since and is its leader, as of February 2015.[3] The eight founding band members were:[7]
- Moses Matovu
- Charles Ssekyanzi
- Jeff Sewava
- Paddy Nsubuga
- Paulo Serumagga
- Fred Luyombya
- Anthony Kyeyune
- Geoffrey Kizito
Band members
As of January 2015[update], 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:[2][3][5]
- Moses Matovu - founder member, band leader, saxophonist, lead vocals, composer
- Deo Mukungu - member, vocalist
- Herman Ssewanyana - congas
- Charles Ssekyanzi Mutagubya - vocalist, trumpet player, composer[8]
- 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:[2][3][4][5]
| 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 | |
