Uganda: Afrigo Band co-founder Moses Matovu dies aged 77

Matovu died at Kibuli Hospital in Kampala on 24 September after sustaining serious injuries in an early-morning incident in Kibuli, Makindye Division. Police have opened an investigation, with the circumstances surrounding his death still being established.

Known affectionately as Papa Moi, Matovu was one of Uganda’s most prominent musicians and spent five decades with Afrigo Band, one of East Africa’s longest-running musical groups.

He is due to be buried in Kyanja, Kampala, on 25 September at 4pm, following a two-day funeral programme announced by Afrigo Band.

Tributes followed news of his death, with musicians, industry organisations and public figures highlighting his contribution to Ugandan music.

The Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), in a statement signed by its president, musician Eddy Kenzo, described Matovu as a mentor and inspiration to generations of musicians.

“Moses Matovu was not only a great musician, but also a teacher, mentor and one of Uganda’s most enduring inspirations in the entertainment industry,” the statement said. “Through his leadership, Afrigo Band stood the test of time and became a powerful example of what commitment, consistency and passion for music can achieve.”

Ugandan singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Kenneth Mugabi said: “We have lost a giant. Mzee Moses Matovu gave Uganda something far greater than songs. He showed us what it means to build, to preserve, to lead and to remain committed to music across generations.”

Veteran musician Mesach Semakula also remembered Matovu as an important mentor.

“We have lost a very important person in the music industry, a legend who we have all been taking as our mentor,” he said.

Ugandan government minister and veteran music promoter Balaam Barugahara described Matovu as “a giant of our music industry, and a talent we may never replace”.

Born in Kampala in 1949, Matovu began his music career in the 1960s, performing with groups including the Thunderbirds Band, Police Band and Cranes Band before co-founding Afrigo Band in 1975.

The band’s original line-up included Matovu, Charles Ssekyanzi, Jeff Ssewava, Paddy Nsubuga, Paulo Sserumaga, Fred Luyombya, Anthony Kyeyune and Geoffrey Kizito.

Over the following five decades, Afrigo developed a sound that combined Congolese rumba and soukous, jazz and funk with Ugandan rhythms, languages and storytelling. The band marked its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Its later line-ups included long-serving musicians such as Joanita Kawalya, Isaac Zimbe, Frank Mbalire, Eddy Ganja, Sarah Namulondo, Daniel Kaggwa, Herman Ssewanyana, Charles Busulwa, Herbert Kiggundu and Rachael Magoola.

Afrigo performed across East Africa and internationally, including in South Africa, China, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The band received a Lifetime Award at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards in 2007, while Matovu received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the HiPipo Music Awards in 2021.

Matovu remained active as a performer until his death, working as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, with the saxophone among his best-known instruments.