Papa Moi defined music, the rest must posthumously learn from him

What the report says

The Observer published an opinion piece reacting to the reported killing of Ugandan musician Moses Matovu in Kibuli last Thursday. The writer, who says he knew Matovu only through a few encounters over more than 20 years, uses the news of his death to reflect on his reputation, the longevity of his band Afrigo, and the standards he associated with the group’s performances.

According to the article, Matovu was remembered as calm, well-presented and highly disciplined, with a long career that began before many current readers were born. The piece says he and Afrigo endured the violence and instability of Uganda’s 1970s and early 1980s, when some colleagues were killed and band equipment was looted, but they continued performing and rebuilt their work. It also notes that Afrigo marked its 50th anniversary last August with a performance at Millennium Grounds in Lugogo.

The writer argues that Afrigo’s survival was not due to talent alone, but also to loyalty, professionalism and a consistent musical identity. He cites long-serving members such as Herman Ssewanyana, Joanita Kawalya and Rachael Magoola as examples of the band’s stability. The article contrasts Afrigo with some newer groups that, in the writer’s view, rely heavily on cover songs, split into competing factions or lack a distinctive sound.

The broader point is that Matovu’s death, if confirmed as reported, would represent a major loss for one of Uganda’s best-known live bands and a reminder of the value of discipline and originality in music.