Hundreds brave rain to send off Afrigo's Moses Matovu
Among the mourners were former minister Katumba Wamala former ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Minister Haruna Kasolo, members of the SC Villa fraternity and scores of musicians, many visibly overcome with grief as the reality of Matovu’s death sank in.
Salat al-Janazah for the late Moses Matovu at Kirowooza Parish in Kyanja. Photo by Ignatius Kamya
The skies wept as thousands of mourners braved a relentless downpour to give legendary Afrigo Band musician Moses Matovu a final farewell in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb.
Umbrellas dotted the mourners’ procession as friends, relatives, musicians, politicians, religious leaders and fans gathered to escort the man whose voice and music had become part of Uganda’s cultural soundtrack to his final resting place.
Among the mourners were former minister Katumba Wamala, former ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa, Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Minister Haruna Kasolo, members of the SC Villa fraternity and scores of musicians, many visibly overcome with grief as the reality of Matovu’s death sank in.
For a man who spent decades entertaining generations, the rain-soaked farewell was a poignant final curtain call filled with tears, memories and tributes.
Before the sendoff, Afrigo Band paid tribute to Matovu, remembering him as a musician, brother and family member who played a significant role in the band's five-decade musical journey.
Speaking at Matovu's burial, Afrigo Band singer Rachel Magoola said the band had lost more than a colleague, describing Matovu as an integral part of the family that built and sustained the group over the years. “Moses, you were part of our family. You were the heartbeat of the Afrigo story,” Magoola said.
Magoola said Afrigo Band's history was built not only by its musicians but also by instrumentalists, technicians, sound engineers, road crew members, managers and promoters who worked behind the scenes to keep the band going.
“We come with heavy hearts because we have lost our brother,” she said.
Matovu was killed in Kibuli on Thursday and was laid to rest on Friday at 4 p.m. in Kyanja.
Musicians including Mesach Ssemakula, Eddy Yawe, Catherine Kusasira, Eddie Kenzo, and Carol Nantongo, among many others, saw off the veteran singer.
Minister of state for foreign affairs, Haruna Kasolo addresses mourners. Photo by Patrick Kibirango
Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu (left) attended Matovu's send off. Photo by Patrick Kibirango
Singer Carol Nantongo and husband Dylan braved the afternoon downpour to send off Matovu. Photo Ignatius Kamya
Retired General and Afrigo band's top fan, Wamala Katumba recalls fond memories with Moses Moses Matovu. Photo Patrick Kibirango