The Afrigo Band members have committed to keeping the group alive following the death of its leader, Moses Matovu, who passed away at the age of 77. Matovu's death has left the band in shock, but Afrigo director James Wasula assured that they would preserve his legacy by maintaining the high standards he established. Wasula made the pledge during Matovu's burial at the family's ancestral grounds in Kyanja. He emphasized that Matovu's greatest dream was to see Afrigo survive the challenges facing the band and the changing music industry.
Wasula revealed that he was deeply affected by Matovu's death and was admitted to the hospital due to high blood pressure. Despite his health issues, he attended the burial to honor Matovu's memory. Wasula expressed his determination to protect and preserve Matovu's vision for Afrigo, ensuring the band continues to perform at a high standard for generations to come. Matovu's death has created a void in the band, but the members are committed to carrying forward his vision.
Herman Ssewanyana, Afrigo's percussionist, shared his fond memories of Matovu, recalling how they met in 1974 in Kibuli during the band's early years. Ssewanyana credited Matovu's management style and commitment to teamwork for keeping the band together for decades. He praised Matovu's leadership, which emphasized teamwork and collective decision-making. Ssewanyana described Matovu as irreplaceable and pledged to keep the group together.
Ssewanyana revealed that before his death, Matovu had assigned responsibilities to individual members of the band, providing a foundation for continuity. He called on Afrigo supporters to continue supporting the band, ensuring its survival. Another Afrigo member, Eddie Yawe, remembered Matovu as a mentor who nurtured many talents in Uganda's music industry. Yawe expressed gratitude for Matovu's support, which helped reshape his career.
In a joint tribute, Afrigo members acknowledged the significant role Matovu played in their lives and the band's history. They described their five decades in Afrigo as a journey of rehearsals, music, travel, challenges, and triumphs, with Matovu at the center of the group. The tribute also recognized the people who worked behind the scenes to keep Afrigo performing, including equipment handlers, sound system operators, drivers, and supporters.
Government officials who attended the burial urged Afrigo to preserve its legacy. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala praised Matovu for nurturing hundreds of talents and encouraged people in the entertainment industry to emulate his support for young talent. Katumba appealed to Afrigo fans to continue supporting the band and urged its remaining members to avoid internal disagreements that could threaten its survival.
Matovu was killed on Thursday morning in Kibuli following a confrontation involving the alleged boyfriend of a woman he had visited. Police arrested 41-year-old Nsamba Vincent, who is being held as investigations into the circumstances surrounding Matovu's death continue. The Afrigo Band members are determined to keep Matovu's legacy alive, ensuring the group's continued success.
Key points
- Afrigo Band members pledge to maintain high standards and preserve legacy of leader Moses Matovu.
- Matovu's death has left a void in the band, but members are committed to carrying forward his vision.
- Government officials urge Afrigo to preserve its legacy and avoid internal disagreements.
