Uganda’s longest-lasting music ensemble, Afrigo Band, will for the first time perform live in Hoima.
The show is organised by Sweet Dorcus Promotions in conjunction with Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom as part of celebrations to mark the 29th Empango (coronation) anniversary of Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru.
Empango is the first ritual the Omukama (King) performs as he is being crowned.
Iguru the 27th King under the Babiito dynasty first performed the ritual on June 11, 1994, following the restoration of kingdoms by the National Resistance Movement government.
Since then, empango has been marked annually in Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom at the king’s palace in Hoima City and usually characterised by a traditional dance-Amakondere.
It is “Omujato event” in which various companies promote their brands throughout the night preceding the main fete on June 10 (Saturday) that Afrigo Band will entertain revelers at Kolping Gardens in Hoima City.
Dorcus Bekyira, Managing Director, Sweet Dorcus Promotions and the event organiser, on Friday told The Albertine Journal that Hoima-based musicians including Figo West and Igme Band will share the stage with Afrigo band.
A table of five seats will cost sh400,000, VIP ticket sh50,000 and the main arena ticket sh10,000.
Bekyira said: “People have been missing part of Afrigo Band and being the legendary band, it attracts musicophiles-young and old.”
Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga, Bunyoro Kingdom Premier, recently said, the show is expected to be massive and notable.
He said this is given the love people have for the band and the expectation is “celebrating culture and music” to reminisce profound memories.
Who are they?
The band which has existed for 47 years was formed by a group of eight musicians led by their band leader, vocalist, and alto saxophonist, Moses Matovu, who continue to lead the band.
Matovu plays the saxophone. Photo: Observer.
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.
With his calm mien and demeanour, Matovu is expected to lead the band and play their greatest hits among others; Maria, Julie, Mpe Edembe, Dunia, Sikulimba, Obangaina, Endongo Ewoma, Batuuse, Speed controller, Olumbe Lwobwavu and Nantongo.