Music Review: Afrigo Band’s legacy echoes loud in ‘Abana Ba Afrigo'

I think if there is one thing that is intrinsically bound with our psyche, it is the Afrigo Band.

For a significant part of the population, the band has existed all our lives, and defined existence in a way that nothing else you can imagine does.

They were always there. We remember loved ones through them, we remember important life milestones, places, people, events. Afrigo Band is an institution.

One of the things that captures this is the song Abana Ba Afrigo. It is a celebratory song that captures the essence of the band, one that is so defiantly Ugandan it is almost overwhelming to think about.
 

It is also a curious song, especially when you think about how it was put together. I feel like it almost gets autobiographical with the way it starts referring to the band members themselves. I am guessing here but I think this is a trait picked up from the influence that Congolese music had on the evolution of Ugandan music. Congolese musicians had a habit of doing this, to great effect – it was like they choose to have a conversation break in the midst of a song.

And Afrigo Band does this on Abana Ba Afrigo, to great effect. It helps you understand the timelessness of the song, because some of the people named in the song have passed on.

Another thing that hit me about this particular track is the metronomic precision of the rhythm section. It is essential to the song, and it delivers, like clockwork. Moses Matovu is known for wanting a clean, consistent rhythm; when you listen to this track, you understand why.

The third thing that the song brings to you is Ugandan interpretation of Afro – pop. It is rhythmic, guitar rich, and loaded with harmonies that are delicately soothing.

As we build towards their 50th anniversary concert this Saturday, I feel like this is a worthwhile song to celebrate this iconic band, primarily because this song celebrates the Afrigo Band. It is like they got a head start on us or something.