Not even the evening rain could dampen the mood as thousands of fans from across generations braved a heavy downpour to celebrate Uganda’s oldest and most iconic music group, Afrigo Band, as they marked their golden jubilee.
The milestone concert, organized by Talent Africa Group, was a true celebration of music, love, and loyalty, with revelers turning up in overwhelming numbers to honor five decades of Afrigo’s legacy.
Despite the rain, the event was delivered seamlessly, once again showcasing Talent Africa’s resilience, expertise, and commitment to providing world-class experiences.
The star-studded edition featured Congolese music legend Kofi Olomide, who electrified the audience with his signature Ndombolo dances, sending fans into a frenzy.
Talent Africa CEO, Aly Alibhai, echoed the sentiment, noting that the concert was more than a show: “From day one, I knew Afrigo at 50 would not just be a concert, but a historic celebration of resilience, culture, and timeless music.”
Tusker Malt Lager’s Brand Manager, Denise Paula Nazzinda, also highlighted the significance of the moment: “As the official beer partner, we are proud to have been part of history as Afrigo marked 50 years of excellence. Their craftsmanship is unmatched, and we remain committed to elevating live music experiences for our consumers.”
A Night to Remember
On a cold, rain-soaked evening, official host Douglas Lwanga wasted no time in firing up the crowd. At 8:10 p.m., Abeka Band opened the show with the Buganda Kingdom anthem, drawing admiration from royal loyalists. They later entertained the audience with timeless hits from Ugandan legends such as Mesach Semakula, Sweet Kid, Henry Tigan, King Michael, Chance Nalubega, and Betty Mpologoma, before paving the way for the night’s main act.
At 9:00 p.m., Afrigo Band made a grand entrance dressed in elegant black-and-gold outfits. Led by veterans Moses Matovu, Rachel Magoola, and Joanita Kawalya, the band performed classics including Batuse, Jim, Emaali, Olumbe Lw’Obwavu, and Obangaina. Fans sang and danced along, enjoying both the music and discounted beverages courtesy of Flexipay and Uganda Breweries.
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Later in the evening, the much-anticipated Kofi Olomide stormed the stage with his energetic Papa Mobimba performance, also featured in his collaboration Waa with Diamond Platnumz. He went on to deliver other iconic hits such as Senga, Effrakata, and Ekotite, driving revelers wild with his legendary waist-bending dance moves.
As the clock struck midnight, the skies lit up with a breathtaking five-minute fireworks display, followed by the launch of the Afrigo at 50 Commemorative Book, which was handed out to attendees. The ceremony was presided over by Prince David Wassajja, representing the Kabaka of Buganda, alongside Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission.
Delivering the Kabaka’s message, Prince Wassajja said: “The King would have loved to join you today, but due to unavoidable circumstances, he delegated me to convey his pride in Afrigo. He recognizes the enormous contribution they have made to the art and music of our motherland.”
