Veteran Ugandan playwright, actor and director John Segawa has advised Afrigo Band to consider retiring following the death of its longtime leader and co-founder, Moses Matovu.
Matovu died on September 24 at the age of 77 after spending more than five decades with Afrigo Band. He became the face of the legendary group and played a major role in keeping it active across generations.
Speaking about the band’s future, Segawa argued that Matovu’s contribution went beyond performing, describing him as the disciplinarian, director and driving force who held the group together.
“It has been Moses Matovu and the Afrigo Band. He is the face of the band. He is the disciplinarian, the director. He’s everything. I think it’s time for it to end,” Segawa said in an interview with a local YouTuber.
Segawa questioned whether Afrigo can maintain its identity without Matovu, drawing comparisons with other musical groups that struggled to continue after losing their central figures.
“I don’t think they will survive, but let’s pray for them to keep it together,” he added.
Segawa’s comments have sparked debate among music lovers, with some arguing that Matovu was inseparable from Afrigo’s identity, while others believe the band’s experienced musicians can continue performing and preserve his legacy.
Afrigo Band, meanwhile, has maintained that it will continue performing following Matovu’s death, with management confirming that existing bookings will be honoured.