Albert Atibu, popularly known as Amigo Wawawa, was a gifted Congolese guitarist. He passed away in 2003 at Mulago Hospital. Amigo is fondly remembered for his 1990s classics such as “Oh Mama Wange,” “Safari,” and “Ekikere Kiri Kumbata.”
Akiiki Mansur Bulegeya was a top-tier saxophonist who mentored Moses Matovu. He passed away in 2007, but his sound continues to echo through the band’s legacy.
Charles Ssekyanzi began his career in the 1960s. He joined the Cranes Band in 1969 and later co-founded Afrigo Band in 1975. He remained with the band until his death in 2009. Ssekyanzi was one of Afrigo’s finest vocalists and gave audiences memorable songs such as “Enneeyisa” and “Rose Guma.”
In the mid-1990s, Godfrey Ngobi ,was Afrigo Band’s bass man. He composed the hit song “Dhimulese” before leaving the group in 1999. He now spends much of his time in England.
Daniel Kaggwa, is still kicking it with the Afrigo Band. He joined in the mid ’90s after Tony Ssengo left the group.
Middle row (right to left; Samuel Kadhume, (Red Tee) joined as a keyboard player in 1996 when Godfrey Mwambala was under the weather. He stuck with the crew into the early 2000s, now lives in London, keeps dropping fresh tracks, and rolls with the UK-based Galaxy Band.
Eric Sabiiti, joined the group in 1991 as a drummer. He later retired from music and now chills in Wakiso.
Herman Ssewanyana, AKA Omwana Ow’enseenene, is a percussionist who joined the group in 1980. Now in his seventies, he remains in remarkable form, banging the congas with mad energy and passion.
Moses Matovu, co-founded the band and has been running things since 1975. A saxophonist, songwriter, vocalist, and talent spotter, he is the group’s only Rotarian and a member of the Rotary Club of Kasubi.
A forward thinking man, Moses Matovu has talked about things before organisations were ready to recognise their value. Before Rotary considered adding the environment to its focus areas, he had already released the song Obutonde Bw’ensi, which educates listeners about the protection of nature. Another track, Speed, vibes with the Rotary theme of disease prevention, while Jim explores ideas around conflict prevention. Pure genius from the man many people call Papa Moi. Always thinking ahead of his time.
Front row, left to right: Rachel Magoola, juggles life as both a politician and musician, though music remains her first love. She joined Afrigo Band in 1989 after leaving Namasagali College, and in 1999 she recorded one of the band’s biggest hits, Obangaina. Until recently, she served as the Woman MP for Bugweri District.
Joanita Kawalya, joined Afrigo Band in 1986 at the age of 19. In 1993, she left her teaching position at Lubiri Secondary School to pursue music full time. Today she is known as Afrigo’s First Lady and carries herself with the poise and presence befitting that title.
Joanita Nansukusa, joined the group in the mid 90s as a dancer. She later relocated to England, where she now works as a nurse.
