On August 16, at Millennium grounds in Kampala, Uganda’s oldest and most revered band – Afrigo band – will celebrate 50 years of good music, consistent performance and a unique catalogue that cuts across generations.
It is only at Afrigo band that you will find a 70-year-old couple swinging to Nantongo, while next to them Gen Zs sway and bop to the same song. The band started in 1975, morphing from The Cranes band of the mid-60s, and Afrigo has remained true to its core music identity, thanks to some of its founding members such as Moses Matovu, 76, still being active both on stage and in administration.
From soukous, rumba, to a sound that can only be attributed to Afrigo, the golden jubilee concert will be one to look out for. The celebration is also the third edition of the Legends of Sound concert series, aiming at celebrating veteran African musicians.
The concert will feature an all-star line-up of Afrigo band veterans including band leader Matovu, Rachael Magoola, Joanita Kawalya, Herbert Kiggundu, Sarah Namulondo, Charles Busuulwa, and many more.
Their timeless hits will be reimagined in a dynamic, festival-style production. On top of Afrigo’s iconic band members, fans will be treated to Congolese legend Koffi Olomide, who will join the band for a special-guest session.
Known for his soft soukous style known as tcha tcho, Olomide is set to thrill the crowd with hits such as Ndombolo, Andrada, Cle Boa, and Selfie (Ekoti Te), among others. Afrigo Band has been at the centre of Uganda’s music identity since the 1970s, blending tradition with modernity.
Powered by Talent Africa, Stanbic and Uganda Breweries, August 16 promises to be a day to remember.
atiluknathan@gmail.com
