Can Ibrah Matovu fill his father’s big Afrigo shoes?

Ibrah Matovu may have inherited his father Moses Matovu’s musical talent, but filling the legendary Afrigo Band singer’s shoes will not happen overnight.

That is the view of Herman Ssewanyana, a singer and percussionist with Afrigo Band, who says the band is mentoring Ibrah to help him grow into the role left vacant by his father’s death.

Ibrah recently stirred emotions during an Afrigo performance at Buffaloes in Komamboga when he appeared in a denim outfit and Fedora hat reminiscent of his father’s signature style. His performance drew praise from fans, with some already hailing him as his father’s successor.

But Ssewanyana believes Ibrah still has work to do. “We have been mentoring him, and he has been with us for some time. We watched him grow. He is a singer, and he is the Matovu that we have, but he hasn’t reached his father’s level yet,” Ssewanyana said in an interview following the performance.

“Matovu’s shoes are too big to fill. He hasn’t got there yet, but we are trying to lift him to that level.”

Ssewanyana said the band will continue mentoring Ibrah until he becomes a stronger performer capable of carrying his father’s musical legacy.

Moses Matovu, Afrigo’s celebrated lead singer, died last month following a scuffle with Vincent Arnold Nsamba, who is currently in custody over his alleged involvement in the singer’s death.

Meanwhile, media personality Douglas Lwanga praised Afrigo for keeping the band’s spirit alive despite the loss of its iconic frontman.

“A lot has been said about whether the Afrigo Band would live on following the passing of Moses Matovu. After their show last night, I think we can all agree the Afrigo Band's love is solid. "It is not easy, but well done for keeping the music and legacy alive,” Lwanga said, writing on X.