Moses Matovu,
the iconic leader and co-founder of Uganda's legendary Afrigo Band, has
passed away at the age of 77 following a brutal early morning assault near his
home.Matovu was attacked today, Thursday morning by suspected members of a
local criminal group known as Kifeesi while walking to a nearby mosque
for morning prayers. He sustained severe injuries during the mugging and
suffered massive blood loss before good Samaritans rushed him to Kibuli
Muslim Hospital for emergency treatment.Despite medical efforts, the
veteran musician succumbed to his injuries at the hospital later that morning.
A
Towering Legacy in Ugandan Music
Moses Matovu was widely regarded as
one of Uganda’s most influential cultural icons and a pioneer of the modern
Ugandan sound.
- The Birth of Afrigo Band: Matovu co-founded Afrigo Band in
1975 following the breakup of the Cranes Band. Under his leadership,
Afrigo grew into Uganda's longest-running and most revered musical group.
- Musical Mastery: A maestro of the saxophone, a
gifted vocalist, and a master composer, Matovu served as the backbone of
the band for nearly five decades, shaping the soundtrack of generations of
Ugandans.
- Deep Roots in Kibuli: Matovu maintained a personal and
professional connection to Kibuli, the Kampala suburb where he relocated
Afrigo Band’s operations in 1983 and where he spent his final moments.
Investigations
Ongoing
The sudden passing of the iconic
bandleader has sent shockwaves through the country's arts and entertainment
community. Law enforcement has launched an investigation into the mugging to
identify the specific locale of the assault and track down the perpetrators
involved.