Afrigo in no rush to replace Moses Matovu

What the report says

Afrigo Band says it is not rushing to name a successor to its late founder and bandleader Moses Matovu, according to Sqoop Uganda. The group’s members say Matovu’s son, Ibra Matovu, has appeared with the band and sometimes led performances, but they do not view him as an immediate replacement for his father.

Herman Ssewanyana, speaking for the band, said the family and the group are continuing to mentor Ibra rather than push him quickly into the role once held by his father. He described Moses Matovu’s influence as too significant for anyone to step into easily, noting that the late musician helped define Afrigo’s sound and identity over many years.

The article says Ibra Matovu is already familiar with Afrigo’s circle and has performed with the band before, including at Kampala venue Obligato, which has been one of its regular homes. Even so, the band’s focus appears to be on gradual development and continuity, not a direct handover.

The stance highlights the challenge of preserving a long-running group after the death of a founding figure. Afrigo’s message, as reported by Sqoop Uganda, is that its immediate priority is keeping the band active and stable while giving the younger Matovu time to grow into a larger role.