On August 16, Afrigo band celebrated 50 years on the entertainment scene with a concert at Millenium Grounds Lugogo. Dubbed The Legends of Sound, the show was a big milestone for Afrigo Band, as it attracted thousands of the band’s supporters with legendary Congolesse artiste Koffi Olomidde as a guest artiste.
On this golden jubilee, the Afrigo Band launched their book titled Omuziki Guwooma translated as “music is sweet”. The book was launched by Prince Daudi Kintu Wasajja, who represented the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. Prince Wasajja commended the band for delivering relatable and educational songs in their career. Rachael Magoola, during the ceremony, introduced the next generation of Afrigo Band led by Whitney Nakayima, Joanita Kawalya’s daughter.
Is this the end of Afrigo Band?
According to James Wasula, the Afrigo band executive director, the handing over was generically symbolic. “As Afrigo Band, we want what you call band music to thrive. Individual artistes are good, but not for live public performances. Of course, they can hire and rehearse with performers, but we need live band performers,’’ he noted. He added: “It was not about Afrigo, but the entire music industry. We want Afrigo to remain relevant indefinitely. We don’t want it to end with us. We are recruiting youngsters to take over from us.” He also admitted that it is their wish that the young generation learns one or two things so that more live bands can exist for more years.
What next for the band
Wasula has given us an assurance that Afrigo Band is still with us, although some changes might be effected. “After the golden jubilee, the band will remain active. A few things may change but we will remain a live performing band.” Wasula also hinted that the band is about to release a new album.
