Ugandan jazz artist Isaiah Katumwa has honored late music pioneer Moses Matovu, describing him as a foundational figure in Uganda's modern music industry. Matovu, who died on September 24, 2026, at age 77, was celebrated for his decades-long influence as a bandleader, musician, and mentor. Katumwa, a contemporary jazz musician, called Matovu a 'pioneer, mentor, and inspiration' whose career demonstrated that Ugandan artists could build sustainable music careers. 'To me, Moses was far more than one of Uganda's greatest musicians,' Katumwa said. 'He was a pioneer, a mentor, an inspiration, and one of the people whose life helped many of us believe that a serious, lasting music career was possible here.'
Matovu, a founding member of the Afrigo Band, spent over five decades shaping Uganda's live-band tradition. The band, established in the 1970s, became the country's longest-standing musical ensemble, blending Congolese rumba, jazz, funk, and Ugandan traditions. His roles as a singer, songwriter, saxophonist, and flautist left an indelible mark on the industry. 'Long before many of us found our place in this industry, Moses had already helped create the path,' Katumwa said. 'Through his musicianship, discipline, and love for the craft, he became part of the foundation on which generations of Ugandan musicians have stood.'
Katumwa credited Matovu's example with personally influencing his own career. 'As a young musician finding my way, I looked at people like Moses and saw proof that an African musician could dedicate his life to the art and be respected for it,' he said. Matovu's professional journey began in 1967 with the Thunderbirds Band, followed by stints with the Police Band (1968) and Cranes Band (1969). He later co-founded Afrigo Band, which became synonymous with Uganda's live-band scene. 'His legacy should be considered in the context of his decades of contribution, not solely through the circumstances of his death,' Katumwa emphasized.
The musician's death, linked to a physical altercation, has sparked discussions about violence in Kampala. However, Katumwa urged focus on Matovu's enduring impact. 'It is difficult to speak of a life of such significance only in the context of its end,' he said. 'I choose to remember the decades before that final moment—the music, the stages, the lives touched, and the quiet ways he shaped our industry.' Matovu was also known for nurturing younger musicians, ensuring Afrigo Band's continuity through evolving generations. The band's longevity is attributed to its ability to recruit and develop talent while preserving its musical identity.
Katumwa described Matovu's passing as a loss to his family, colleagues, and the broader Ugandan music community. 'Uganda has lost an icon. Our music industry has lost one of its great pillars,' he said. 'Many of us have lost someone we regarded as an elder, a big brother in music.' He concluded by thanking Matovu for his legacy, stating, 'Your contribution will live far beyond this moment, and your name will remain written permanently in the story of Ugandan music.'
Matovu's career spanned 50 years, during which he helped establish band music as a cornerstone of Uganda's popular culture. His work with Afrigo Band, which released over 50 albums, solidified his status as a cultural icon. The band's influence extended beyond music, shaping social and cultural norms in the 1970s and 1980s. 'Moses' journey inspired mine,' Katumwa said. 'His example meant more than he may have known.'
The tribute comes as Ugandan artists continue to navigate challenges in building sustainable careers. Matovu's legacy serves as a benchmark for professionalism and artistic integrity. 'May your soul rest in eternal peace,' Katumwa concluded, honoring a man whose impact on Ugandan music will endure for generations.