The Afrigo Band, Uganda’s legendary musical group founded in 1975, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand concert titled “Legends of Sound: Afrigo at 50.” The event took place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Millennium Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala. Sponsored by Stanbic Bank and organized by Talent Africa Group (TAG Events), the concert marked a milestone in Ugandan music history, honoring the band’s enduring legacy of live performances and hits like “Sikulimba.” Despite heavy rainfall throughout the evening, the show was a resounding success, drawing thousands of enthusiastic fans and selling out tickets.
The band, led by figures like Moses Matovu (also known as Ssemadongo), has been a cornerstone of Ugandan entertainment, evolving from its roots in the 1960s Cranes Band. This golden jubilee event was part of a broader world tour, with upcoming stops in Europe, including Amsterdam on August 30, 2025.
Pre-Event Build-Up
In the days leading up to the concert, anticipation built through press conferences, social media promotions, and ticket sales. Tickets were available via FlexiPay, with calls for reservations at 0753118889. Sound checks were completed earlier in the day, showcasing a massive stage setup befitting the band’s status. Social media buzz highlighted the event’s significance, with posts emphasizing the band’s 50 years of “pure Ugandan music magic.” Koffi Olomide, the Congolese rhumba icon, arrived in Uganda ahead of the show, adding international flair as the special guest.
Gates opened at 4 PM, and early posts from attendees and organizers captured the excitement, with visuals of the venue preparations and calls for fans to attend despite potential weather challenges.
What Happened at the Concert
The evening kicked off with opening acts, setting the stage for Afrigo Band’s main performance. The band delivered a high-energy setlist of their classic hits, getting the crowd dancing and singing along. Key moments included:
Performances and Collaborations: Afrigo Band showcased their signature live music style, with vocalists and instrumentalists performing timeless tracks. Koffi Olomide joined as the headline guest, delivering a live set that thrilled the audience. Ugandan artist Cindy also performed, contributing to the night’s diverse lineup.
Weather Impact: Heavy downpour persisted, but it didn’t dampen spirits. Fans described it as a “rain-soaked” yet “electrifying” experience, with the crowd remaining loyal and energetic. Organizers and attendees praised the resilience, noting that “not even the rain could stop us.”
Special Elements: The concert featured tributes to the band’s history, fireworks, and royal greetings. It culminated in a finale where band members wore golden gomesi (traditional Ugandan attire), followed by a cake-cutting ceremony to symbolize the 50-year milestone.
Crowd and Atmosphere: Thousands attended, creating a vibrant, intergenerational vibe. Social media videos captured dancing fans, stage visuals, and the overall merriment. The event was live-streamed on platforms like AfroMobile, allowing remote viewers to join.
Highlights and Reactions
Musical Legacy Emphasized: Attendees and media highlighted Afrigo’s influence, with one post noting, “One thing about Afrigo Band’s music is that it’ll make you dance.” The band’s performance was described as “singing their hearts out,” reinforcing their 50-year reputation for authentic live music.
Notable Guests and Tributes: Koffi Olomide’s appearance was a crowd favorite, with videos of his set circulating widely. Tributes acknowledged the band’s evolution and cultural impact.
Social Media Buzz: Posts from the official Afrigo Band account and fans flooded X (formerly Twitter), with visuals of the packed venue, performances, and post-show celebrations. Reactions included praise for the “massive turnout despite the rain” and calls to preserve such musical heritage.
Aftermath and Legacy
Post-concert, the band and organizers expressed gratitude via social media, declaring it a “super success.” Photos and videos of the event continued to circulate, with media outlets like New Vision, The Independent, and Sqoop publishing recaps. The concert not only celebrated Afrigo’s past but also set the stage for their ongoing tour, underscoring their unlikely-to-be-repeated feat in Ugandan music.
In summary, the Afrigo at 50 show was a triumphant blend of nostalgia, resilience, and celebration, proving the band’s timeless appeal even in adverse conditions. It reinforced their status as “legends of sound” in East African music.
