Afrigo thrills at 40 year fete
Kawalya is Afrigo’s lead vocalist . PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
At 1 am, revellers, one by one took to the stage to request for one last song. Some of them remained in the audience dancing to whichever songs were playing, a testimony of the legend that is Afrigo Band.
Last week Afrigo Band celebrated 40 years of existence and relevance in the Uganda music industry at Hotel Africana’s Nile Hall. With tickets going for Shs5 million for a table of 10 people and Shs250,000 for individuals, it was evident that the event could mostly attract ‘old timers’.
In the audience were Army Commander Gen. Katumba Wamala and former Finance minister Maria Kiwanuka among others, who danced and sang throughout the performance.
The night started at 8pm with a cocktail; with action starting at exactly 9pm when the band members took to the stage.
With Matovu on the saxophone, Herman Sewanyana on the drums, Joanitah Kawalya taking on the lead singer’s role and the rest of the crew backing them up, Afrigo Band performed Afrigo Batuuse, a song they released in 1999.
Others like Amazzi Genyama, Oswadde nyo, Olumbe lw’obwavu and Speed quickly followed, getting the revellers off their seats, forgetting the free drinks and bites that were on the house courtesy of Uganda Waragi and Pepsi, flagship brands of Uganda Breweries Limited and Crown Beverages Limited respectively.
When the group went for a break, a video clip showing their musical journey from when they started singing in 1975 up to today was played. Joanitah Kawalya and Rachael Magoola did not disappoint with Jim, and Obangaina.
At the climax of the show, one of the youngest members of the band introduced all the band members on the stage one by one as the crowd cheered them. Together, they performed songs like Endongo ewooma, Emere esiridde and Mundeeke.
“On behalf of Afrigo Band, I want to thank you for coming in big numbers. Prepare Shs1 million for Afrigo Band at 80 because that’s what we are going to charge,” Matovu said before the band sang Oswadde Nyo again.
AFRIGO SONGS
Afrigo Batuuse
Maria Sembela
Nantongo
Nfunda Nomubi
Nyikila Okukola
Obuganda bulade
Obangaina
Sipiidi Kendeeza
Olumbe Lwo’bwaavu
Sirina
Tony
