Afrigo Band
This is an article about a Ugandan musical band.
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 |
The 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.
History
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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 |
Recent developments
[edit]In January 2015, Afrigo Band began regular performances at Club Silk, in Kampala's Industrial area, every Friday evening. Although the club attracts a predominantly young audience, with the arrival of Afrigo, Club Silk is expected to ring in more mature revelers, above the age of 40 years.[9] In November 2015, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary with a sold-out concert at Hotel Africana, in Kampala.[10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Celebrating Afrigo Band". New Vision (Kampala). 31 August 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d Ssemutooke, Joseph (October 2012). "Afrigo: Uganda's Greatest Band". New Vision Mobile (Kampala). Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Hits That Made Them: Moses Matovu And Afrigo Band". Hipipo.com. 26 August 2011. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- ^ a b c Musinguzi, Bamuturaki (12 September 2013). "Kampala's Most Resilient Band Afrigo Plays On". The EastAfrican (Nairobi). Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- ^ a b c Zziwa, Hassan Badru (17 February 2013). "Afrigo: 38 And Still Counting". The Observer (Uganda). Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- ^ Ortega, Ian (3 September 2013). "Afrigo Band's 38 Years Relived In One Night". Daily Monitor (Kampala). Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- ^ Natukunda, Carol (30 March 2015). "At 40, Afrigo Is Still On The Go". New Vision (Kampala). Retrieved 30 March 2015.
- ^ Baguma, Arthur; Sentongo, Herman (5 March 2009). "Sekyanzi's Voice, Talent Will Forever Be Missed". New Vision (Kampala). Archived from the original on 2 February 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
- ^ Eupal, Felix (1 February 2015). "Uganda: Afrigo Finds Home At Silk". The Observer (Uganda) via AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
- ^ Kakumirizi, Michael (27 November 2015). "Uganda's Afrigo Band marks 40 years of music". The EastAfrican. Nairobi. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
