Veteran Musician Moses Matovu, Founding Figure of Afrigo Band, Dies at 77

Veteran musician Moses Matovu, the saxophonist and founding figure of Uganda's renowned Afrigo Band, has died at the age of 77. According to police, Matovu died after being attacked by unidentified assailants in Kampala. His death marks the end of an era for Uganda's modern popular music, leaving behind a legacy of hits including Sirina Anantwala Leero, Jim, and Obangaina. Matovu's career in music spanned over five decades, with Afrigo Band surviving through political upheaval, wars, and changes in music technology.

Before his music career, Matovu was a competitive footballer, playing for several Ugandan clubs including Express, Uganda Police, and Fiat. However, by the age of 18, he decided to pursue music as his profession. Matovu believed music offered something football couldn't - the ability to continue performing and creating at an older age. At 77, he could still sing and play his saxophone, a testament to his dedication to music. "I've never done another work, another job besides music," Matovu once said.

Matovu's musical journey began with Cranes Band, but it was with Afrigo Band that he achieved lasting success. Formed in the mid-1970s, Afrigo Band was born out of necessity when the musicians, including Matovu, refused to abandon music after Cranes Band stopped performing. With limited equipment and resources, the band began performing at local hotels and restaurants, eventually securing a residency at Cape Town Villa. Their music caught the attention of President Idi Amin, who offered them a platform to perform at his favorite relaxation spot.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including the loss of equipment during the war, Matovu and his colleagues rebuilt Afrigo Band from scratch. They performed at various venues, including Little Flowers and Gaba Beach, and secured additional work through weddings and private functions. Matovu attributed the band's survival to the understanding that every musician mattered, saying, "If you don't have a drummer, you cannot play. If you have a bass player, you don't have a guitar, so everyone is important."

As Afrigo Band celebrated its 50th anniversary, Matovu credited the band's longevity to interest, commitment, and discipline. He advised younger artists to treat music as a profession, warning against indiscipline and excessive drinking. Matovu's willingness to learn and listen to music outside of Afrigo was a key factor in his enduring career. He admired musicians such as Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango and sought out those he considered better than himself.

The advent of FM radio in the 1990s provided Afrigo Band with new platforms and exposure to wider audiences. Matovu's own listening habits extended beyond Afrigo's music, with a love for jazz and Latin jazz. He would often listen to music from around the world, seeking to improve his craft and develop his unique sound. "Through instruments, somebody can play guitar, and you say, that is so and so. Saxophone, so you have to try to see that you have the originality of your sound," Matovu said.

Moses Matovu's legacy extends beyond his impressive music catalog. He leaves behind a generation of musicians inspired by his dedication and perseverance. As a testament to his love for music, Matovu once said, "I cannot be in my room or my bedroom when the radio is not on." His passing has sent shockwaves through Uganda's music industry, with fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of a legend.

Key points

• Moses Matovu, the founding figure of Afrigo Band, has died at the age of 77.
• Matovu's career in music spanned over five decades, with hits including Sirina Anantwala Leero and Jim.
• Afrigo Band survived through political upheaval, wars, and changes in music technology, thanks in part to Matovu's dedication and willingness to learn.