While musicians have come and gone—or simply faded into obscurity—Afrigo Band, Uganda’s oldest musical group, shows no signs of slowing down. Fifty years on, Afrigo is not only the longest-standing band in the country, but arguably its finest in every sense.
The legendary band is set to mark five decades of continuous performance with a grand concert at the Millennium Grounds Lugogo on Saturday, August 16. Now in its third edition, the Legends of Sound concert series returns with Afrigo at 50—a fitting capstone to the 2023 edition, which commemorated the band’s 48th anniversary.
Formed in 1975, by eight young musicians who broke away from Crane Band, Afrigo has since performed across generations and social classes, gracefully navigating political upheavals and cultural shifts without ever losing its soul.
Founding saxophonist and vocalist Moses Matovu continues to lead the band at 76, joined by celebrated members like Rachel Magoola- MP, Joanita Kawalya, Frank Mbalire, Herman Ssewanyana, Sarah Namulondo, and Herbert Kigundu, among others. Over the past five decades, Matovu has steered Afrigo through changing musical tastes, advancing technologies, and tough economic tides—yet the band’s identity has remained true to self. Speaking at the launch of the anniversary event earlier this week in Kampala, Matovu, flanked by fellow band members, promised a nostalgic, but refreshed experience.
The concert, he said, will return to Afrigo’s roots with reimagined renditions of classic hits, alongside deeper cuts from their albums that are rarely performed live. Capping off the night will be a headline performance by Congolese soukous legend, Koffi Olomidé, whose presence underscores Afrigo’s lasting cross-border appeal.
It’s a nod to the band’s historic collaborations with Kinshasa-based artists back in the 1970s. While Afrigo’s legacy is firmly rooted in live instrumentation and the golden age of vinyl, organisers- Talent Africa Group are blending tradition with modern convenience.
With Stanbic Bank Uganda as the title sponsor, the bank’s FlexiPay platform will serve as the official ticketing partner, allowing fans to buy tickets digitally from anywhere in the country. “We are making it easier for every Ugandan to be part of this historic moment—securely, simply, and smartly,” said Lois Kwikiriza, Stanbic’s Brand & Marketing Manager. Through FlexiPay, fans can access tickets both online and directly via mobile.
Over its 50-year journey, Afrigo Band has released more than 20 albums and over 200 songs, making its story synonymous with Uganda’s pop music heritage and cultural identity. Unlike many musical groups that fall apart due to ego clashes, poor leadership, or lack of vision, Afrigo has remained cohesive—a quality its members are proud of and attribute to divine guidance.
