Afrigo Band
| Afrigo Band | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Afrigo |
| Origin | Kampala - Uganda |
| Genres | African Rumba Kidandali Jazz |
| Years active | 1975 – Present |
| Members | Joanita Kawalya, Rachel Magoola |
The Afrigo Band, is a musical band in Uganda. It is the longest-lasting musical group in the history of Uganda, having existed for 38 years by August 2013.[1][2][3][4]
Contents
History
The band was formed by a group of eight musicians led by their band leader, vocalist, and alto saxophonist, Moses Matovu,[5] who continued to lead the band on its 38th anniversary.[2][4] Playing to their fans at home in Uganda, the group tours regularly in Europe and the United States to play to Ugandans in the Diaspora.[6] He has been performing with the band since and is its leader, as of February 2015.[3] The eight founding band members were:[7]
- Moses Matovu
- Charles Ssekyanzi
- Jeff Sewava
- Paddy Nsubuga
- Paulo Serumagga
- Fred Luyombya
- Geoffrey Kizito
- Anthony Kyeyune
Band members
As of January 2015[update], all except one of the founding band members had died. The band recruited replacements whenever a member left or died. Members of the band, past and present, include:[2][3][5]
- Moses Matovu - Founder member, band leader, saxophonist, lead vocals, composer
- Herman Ssewanyana - Congas
- Charles Ssekyanzi Mutagubya - Vocalist, trumpet player, composer[8]
- Mansur Bulegeya Akiki - Tenor saxophonist
- Joanita Kawalya - Vocalist, dancer
- Rachael Magoola - Vocalist, dancer, Composer
- Rashid Musoke (RIP) - member
- Paul Serumaga (RIP) - Founder member
- Godfrey Mwambala - member
- Tony Sengo - member
- Tonny Ssenkebejje - Solo guitarist (left)
- Fred Kigozi - member
- Peter Bazanye - Vocals
- Joe Tabula - Vocals
- Frank Mbalire Guitarist/Vocals (left)
- Edmond Ganja - Guitarist/Vocals
- Sammy Kasule - Bassist/Vocals
- Charles Busuulwa - Bassist
- Eric Sabiiti - Drummer
- Julious Nshaba - Drummer
- Daniel Kaggwa - Keyboards
- Isaac Zzimbe - Drummer (left)
- Jacinta Wamboga - Dancer
- Sarah Namiyonga - Dancer
Discography
Some of the records and albums released by the band include the following:[2][3][4][5]
| Year | Name of Record | Composer |
|---|---|---|
| Afrigo Batuuse | ||
| Akola Bwenkanya | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Musa | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Enneyisa | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Rose Guma | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Onnemye | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Nnemeddwa | Charles Ssenkyanzi | |
| Obangaina | Rachael Magoola | |
| Sipiidi Kendeeza | ||
| Olumbe Lwo'bwaavu | ||
| Sikulimba (Olunderebu) |
Recent developments
In January 2015, Afrigo Band began regular performances at Club Silk, in Kampala's Industrial area, every Friday evening. Although the club attracts a predominantly young audience, with the arrival of Afrigo, Club Silk is expected to ring in more mature revelers, above the age of 40 years.[9] In November 2015, the band celebrated its 40th anniversary with a sold-out concert at Hotel Africana, in Kampala.[10]
See also
References
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