In the story of Ugandan music, few figures loom as large as Moses Matovu, the legendary bandleader of The Afrigo Band. For more than five decades, his smooth vocals and soulful saxophone have been the heartbeat of a sound that helped shape what we now know as Ugandan pop.
Born in Kawempe in 1949, Moses’ childhood straddled tradition and modernity. He began his education at Namirembe Primary School before moving on to Pillai’s Secondary School, with part of his studies funded by a Buganda Kingdom scholarship. But, real talk, it was at Namirembe Cathedral, where he sang as a young chorister, that the music bug truly took hold, igniting a passion that would shape the course of his life.
By the age of 18, Moses had already laid down his first recording. Soon after came stints with the Thunderbirds Band and the Cranes Band, before he co-founded Afrigo Band in 1975, a group that would go on to become the longest-running and most beloved band in Uganda’s history. Their music has not only entertained but also narrated Uganda’s story, becoming a soundtrack etched into the nation’s collective memory.
But beyond the spotlight and the sax riffs, Moses is also a proud Rotarian with RC Kasubi. In this exclusive with Robert Walakira of The Amasiro Post, he opens up about his journey, shares his wisdom with the youth, and finally reveals the inspiration behind his timeless hit, Ekazzi Ekadde.
The Amasiro Post:
Thank you for carving out time for this interview, Rtn. Moses. I know you have got a wedding gig in a few hours and a European trip coming up next week, so I will be terse. The first question is: what is the story behind the name Afrigo, and why was it changed?
Rtn. Moses:
Thank you very much, CP Walakira. After the split of The Cranes Band in 1974, the name had, of course, already been registered by the group’s original owners. That meant we couldn’t roll with it, even though most of us had been members of the band. So, Jesse Gitta, Charles Ssekyanzi, Jeff Ssewava, Tony Ssenkebejje, and I gave ourselves the homework of coming up with a fresh name.
When we reconvened, I threw two names on the table: Afri Raha (raha meaning “pleasure” in Kiswahili) and Africa Go Forward, which was all about Africa pushing ahead musically. The guys vibed with the second one. We later trimmed it down to Afrigo, and just like that, the name was born. Five decades on, it is still here.
The Amasiro Post:
Brilliant. That is crystal, and kinda revolutionary too. Now, Rtn. Moses, our Rotary leaders come up with a theme every year, and this time it is Unite for Good. Since music brings people together, how have you used your talent to plug into Rotary’s mission of making the world a better place?
Rtn. Moses:
For close to two decades, we in The Afrigo Band have had the privilege of working alongside Rotary clubs. We have partnered with RC Mityana and several others across Kampala, and we even hold an annual fundraising event with RC Kampala Ssese, aptly named Cheza na Afrigo. To support such initiatives, when it comes to charging, I don’t go heavy on them; I only ask that they cover the band’s costs, nothing more. What I admire most about Rotary is that it is not driven by profit. People come together, identify needs, and extend help to those in difficult circumstances. That spirit of service is something I am proud to be part of.
The Amasiro Post:
That’s noble, Rtn. Moses. Now, we all agree that The Afrigo Band’s sound is instantly recognisable. From the very first blow of that sax, people just nod in unison, “Yep, that’s Afrigo.” They don’t bother placing bets on it. How have you managed to keep your brand intact for 50 years?
Rtn. Moses:
Man, that is what we call originality. By composing our own songs, we created a distinct signature sound. Even if names like Moses Matovu or Charles Ssekyanzi are not mentioned, once the beat kicks in, you know it is The Afrigo Band. That kind of identity doesn’t come overnight; it takes years of hard work. For me, as a saxophonist and singer, the vocals can sometimes be easy to identify, but with instruments, it is a different story. Still, when people hear my saxophone, they say, “That’s Moses.” But trust me, it’s not a one-day hustle. It’s time, patience, and staying consistent.
The Amasiro Post:
What advice would you give to young people who want to pursue a music career?
Rtn. Moses:
Have passion, have commitment, and above all, have discipline. That is the standard. Perhaps one more thing I would say to young musicians is, be patient. If you truly love what you do, you will create great music. Personally, no one asks me to write songs. The pieces I compose all come from my own ideas. I sit down, gather my thoughts, and then create the music.
The Amasiro Post:
As a band leader, how do you keep your members motivated and always get the best out of them?
Rtn. Moses:
Being a band leader is much like a Rotary Club President or being a football coach. Through experience, a coach is able to polish a player to shine through proper guidance. I give advice to the band members, and I give credit where it is due. That keeps everyone motivated. When someone feels appreciated, they put in their very best.
The Amasiro Post:
In many organisations, people hold different opinions on how things should be done. How do you handle conflicts or differences of opinion in the band?
Rtn. Moses:
First and foremost, we respect one another. The Afrigo Band has a culture and a certain standard of quality which we uphold. We all follow the band’s principles to achieve our goals. For instance, if someone wishes to join the band, we hold auditions to assess both their musical standard and their level of discipline. You might be a talented drummer or singer, but you must also show respect to others. That is how we avoid unnecessary conflict by being clear about our standards and expectations right from the outset.
The Amasiro Post:
Reflecting on your remarkable career, what stands out as one of your proudest moments?
Rtn. Moses:
Man, there is a bunch, but I will never forget the 1999 performance at the Kabaka’s wedding. It was huge, the crowd was buzzing, the sound was on point, and even the Kabaka threw us a thumbs up. Truly a good one.
The Amasiro Post:
Do you have a favourite song you composed yourself? A tune you listen to now and think, “Bwoy, this inspiration came from outer space”?
Rtn. Moses:
When it comes to songs, I have got plenty that I hold close, like Emiziro or Jimmy Saasira from back in the day when I was starting out. But you have got to know, songs are like children; you love them all.
The Amasiro Post:
During Afrigo’s 50th anniversary celebrations, you performed Batuuse 1 for the first time in years. From Tondeka Awaka to Batuuse 2, and now to the super danceable Olimujjawa, which even got Koffi Olomide on his feet, how has Afrigo’s creative vibe evolved over the years, especially with new tech and AI coming into play?
Rtn. Moses:
Man, it is all about experience. When I recorded my first song, Jimmy Saasira, on the tenor sax, I was so proud. Looking back, it was done on a chromatic scale, pretty basic, but I loved it then. That was the learning curve. Experience is everything; that is how you grow as a musician. Honestly, when I listen to Jimmy Saasira now, I just laugh at myself. Today, I don’t play the same way, I have grown, I’ve matured.
The Amasiro Post:
You’re much respected for your killer sax skills. Which musicians inspired you, and how did they shape your style?
Rtn. Moses:
When I first picked up the sax, it wasn’t about copying one person. Back in the White Nile days, 1970, when I was still jamming with The Cranes Band, we played covers of all sorts of musicians, but there wasn’t a dedicated saxophonist I could really follow. Truth is, there are tons of talented sax players out there, and the best way to learn is by listening to a bunch of them and finding your own path.
The Amasiro Post:
Rotary has several focus areas, and you have previously composed songs that beautifully resonate with them. Your song Speed Controlle, for instance, speaks to Disease Prevention; Obutonde Bw’ensi champions the Environment; Genda Osome rhymes with Education and Literacy; and Jim reflects on Conflict Prevention. With all this, why did it take you so long to join Rotary?
Rtn. Moses:
Honestly, I don’t know. Perhaps the timing simply wasn’t right. Maybe the Rotarians I came across earlier didn’t take the time to introduce me to the Rotary ethos. But when a member from RC Kasubi came through and dropped the Rotary gospel, I was like, why not?
The Amasiro Post:
Rotary puts emphasis on mentoring young people, which is why we have Interact and Rotaract clubs. Young people are essentially seen as the future custodians of the organisation. Gov. Geoffrey Kitakule is a former Rotaractor himself. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of The Afrigo Band?
Rtn. Moses:
I am 76 now, and while my love for music will never fade, I am not as energetic as I used to be. I need to scale back a bit, though not entirely. Those who attended our celebrations saw the young lads in the brass section. Afrigo’s future is bright, very bright.
The Amasiro Post:
Rtn. Moses, you are a humble man, yet you’ve been in the spotlight since you were 18. How come all that fame has never gotten to your head as it does with most of today’s artists? It depends a lot on the environment you grow up in and how you start as a musician. For me, music was never just a side hustle; it was a calling. Back in our time, we were surrounded by great musicians like Mr. Elly Wamala, Mr. Eclas Kawalya, Mr. Fred Masagazi, and many others. Their presence kept us humble, grounded, and respectful. These days, however, many young cats don’t seem to have that same vibe. They are in their own bubble, making bubble gum music for a quick buck and stepping on everyone’s toes. I was wired differently.
The Amasiro Post:
At 76, what’s the biggest life lesson you have picked up?
Rtn. Moses:
Many things, but the one that truly stands out is resilience, and I will tell you why.
After the fall of Gen. Idi Amin, all our band equipment was looted. We were left with absolutely nothing, no drum kit, no guitar, not even a microphone. It was a crushing setback. But with the help of friends, we slowly bought the equipment back, piece by piece, sometimes even from the very people who had looted it. Gradually, we rebuilt everything and got back on stage. That experience taught me that resilience is everything.
The Amasiro Post:
You have written so many bangers over your legendary career. Are any of your tunes based on your own life experiences? I am asking because Ekazzi Ekadde was on repeat while I was driving here. Rtn. Moses:[Laughs] Many people ask if my lyrics come from personal experiences. The truth is, they don’t. It is just creativity, that’s all.
Take Nantongo or Maria, for example. People assume those are real women I know, but nope. I just picked names that fit the rhythm and mood. “Maria” worked perfectly, so I used it. As for Ekazzi Ekadde, I borrowed the idea from a traditional singer. His work piqued my interest and inspired me to create my own version.
So, to answer your question, there isn’t always a hidden love story in my songs. It is art, pure, plain, and simple.
The Amasiro Post:
Beyond music, what do you do for fun?
Rtn. Moses:
Football. Football has always been my greatest passion. If I am not watching it, I am playing it.
Before music fully claimed me, I was a footballer. I played for Express FC, Lint Marketing Board, Nakivubo Boys, and Fiat FC. In fact, I even joined the Uganda Police Force through football before eventually dedicating myself entirely to music. Football remains my game, and I ride high for both SC Villa and Manchester United.
The Amasiro Post:
And with that, I wish United a fantastic season. Thank you so much for your time.
Rtn. Moses:
My pleasure.
Interviewed by Robert Walakirarwalakira@aol.co.uk
The Amasiro PostRC Kasubi. -URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
