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Why we shall never forget Moses Matovu
Moses Matovu aka Papa Moi, the Afrigo Band lead vocalist, composer, instrumentalist and director — who passed on last Thursday under the most tragic circumstances in a Kampala suburb — was one such icon, writes Haji Faruk Kirunda.
Haji Faruk Kirunda. (File)
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Haji Faruk Kirunda
Due to a very tight work schedule from early on in life, I have missed the opportunity to attend entertainment shows and concerts. However, I follow what happens there. There are figures in the creative industry that touch lives beyond relatives, friends and the circle of fans.
Moses Matovu aka Papa Moi, the Afrigo Band lead vocalist, composer, instrumentalist and director — who passed on last Thursday under the most tragic circumstances in a Kampala suburb — was one such icon.
A lot has been said about him, but what’s most outstanding about him was how committed he was to the craft of music and the cultural portfolio of Uganda. Can anyone compare? His biography shows that he started in music in the 1960s, first performing with Thunderbirds Band, then Cranes Band, before joining with others to start Afrigo Band in 1975.
From then, he never looked back or abandoned the craft, through the uncertainty and upheavals of the time, when no sector was thriving, through the HIV/AIDS wave that swept some of his friends like Philly Lutaaya; through times when the creative industry in Uganda trailed and we relied on productions from Europe, the US, South Africa, Kenya and DR Congo, to the early 2000s when the field broke with a new movement of creative energy that has kept growing to date.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Matovu and his mates at Afrigo, like Omwaana W’ensenene Sewanyana, Rashid Musoke, Paul Serumaga, Tony Sengo, Joanita Kawalya and Rachael Magoola, kept the spirits of Ugandans high with their productions and performances that made them household names with a captivating style and lyrics that had an enduring message to them. Theirs was never just about dance. They were decent, stayed clear of controversy and sang about themes that shaped mindsets and attitudes of people at the family and societal level, including songs like Olumbe lw’obwavu (the scourge of poverty), Speed controle, Mpa eddembe (give me freedom) and Eyali akwagala bwakukyawa (when he who loved no longer loves you).
A whole catalogue has kept Afrigo in its unique place for over 50 years, placing it in the league of very few enduring outfits in Africa like Zaiko Langa Langa in the DR Congo. They have maintained their sound and originality, locked in a devout fan base and kept a brand that cannot be substituted by anything that the new generation of performers has to offer.
In all this, Matovu was the face of the band, inspiring generations of fans while turning Afrigo into a family-like ensemble. We hope that they overcome this shock and keep “edutaining” the world.
Other bands have come and gone, but Afrigo has stayed afloat, thanks to the depth and passion of its performances that placed touching humanity above commercial gain. That’s why we celebrate and mourn Papa Moi. He has left a legacy that the younger generations should emulate and for which he deserves special (posthumous) recognition and awards.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Matovu and his mates at Afrigo, like Omwaana W’ensenene Sewanyana, Rashid Musoke, Paul Serumaga, Tony Sengo, Joanita Kawalya and Rachael Magoola, kept the spirits of Ugandans high with their productions and performances that made them household names with a captivating style and lyrics that had an enduring message to them. Theirs was never just about dance. They were decent, stayed clear of controversy and sang about themes that shaped mindsets and attitudes of people at the family and societal level, including songs like Olumbe lw’obwavu (the scourge of poverty), Speed controle, Mpa eddembe (give me freedom) and Eyali akwagala bwakukyawa (when he who loved no longer loves you).
A whole catalogue has kept Afrigo in its unique place for over 50 years, placing it in the league of very few enduring outfits in Africa like Zaiko Langa Langa in the DR Congo. They have maintained their sound and originality, locked in a devout fan base and kept a brand that cannot be substituted by anything that the new generation of performers has to offer.
In all this, Matovu was the face of the band, inspiring generations of fans while turning Afrigo into a family-like ensemble. We hope that they overcome this shock and keep “edutaining” the world.
Other bands have come and gone, but Afrigo has stayed afloat, thanks to the depth and passion of its performances that placed touching humanity above commercial gain. That’s why we celebrate and mourn Papa Moi. He has left a legacy that the younger generations should emulate and for which he deserves special (posthumous) recognition and awards.
Being a star does not take away humility; achieving success does not come easily. It takes endurance and choosing a niche at which you don’t compete with anyone. Afrigo doesn’t rush to roll out albums; they are an authority in what they do, with no need to prove themselves. They let their classics seep into the soul of society and set a standard for their fans, the kind of music that I think even President Yoweri Museveni would give an ear to. Matovu was free of controversy, was never engaged in partisanship, incitement or spreading sectarian messaging. That partly explains why “everybody” associated with his music and he was respected across the board.
It’s most unfortunate that we lost Matovu under very unflattering circumstances, moreover, soon after losing Alex Mukulu only a short while back. It is as if there is an evil spirit on the prowl to snatch our best. That is why everybody should take extra caution in how they live and associate.
As a man, it is normal to have relations with a hot belle (as long as one is above the age of 18 and not married). But as someone with a name and public profile, you don’t let your guard down anyhow. If you must relate with your person, secure an apartment away from prying eyes and danger. Avoid going to a woman’s place because a lot is unseen! It’s not worth it. Even when you are the innocent party, the public judges you more harshly in case a situation develops. The late singer himself sang about these things, but life has its twists and turns.
On acting in a rush in the name of passion, why so much anger? Why attack someone on something that could be talked over? This isn’t love, it is blood thirst framed in possessiveness.
For the women, having an acquaintance that is a public figure is not a licence to throw all care to the wind and discard responsibility for yourself and the other parties in your life. Save the world from needless tears! May the soul of the legend, Matovu, rest in eternal peace!
The writer is the special presidential assistant — press and mobilisation/ deputy press secretary — State House Email: faruk.kirunda@statehouse.go.ug
It’s most unfortunate that we lost Matovu under very unflattering circumstances, moreover, soon after losing Alex Mukulu only a short while back. It is as if there is an evil spirit on the prowl to snatch our best. That is why everybody should take extra caution in how they live and associate.
As a man, it is normal to have relations with a hot belle (as long as one is above the age of 18 and not married). But as someone with a name and public profile, you don’t let your guard down anyhow. If you must relate with your person, secure an apartment away from prying eyes and danger. Avoid going to a woman’s place because a lot is unseen! It’s not worth it. Even when you are the innocent party, the public judges you more harshly in case a situation develops. The late singer himself sang about these things, but life has its twists and turns.
On acting in a rush in the name of passion, why so much anger? Why attack someone on something that could be talked over? This isn’t love, it is blood thirst framed in possessiveness.
For the women, having an acquaintance that is a public figure is not a licence to throw all care to the wind and discard responsibility for yourself and the other parties in your life. Save the world from needless tears! May the soul of the legend, Matovu, rest in eternal peace!
The writer is the special presidential assistant — press and mobilisation/ deputy press secretary — State House Email: faruk.kirunda@statehouse.go.ug