For many of us, this loss feels deeply personal. Our minds inevitably travel back to the early 1970s, when we were pre-teens, teenagers, or <a s work belongs in the same broad tradition of cultural stewardship exemplified by figures such as Dr Jane Goodall in conservation, the late Professor Livingstone Walusimbi in the <a s performances, allowing new generations to encounter the men who helped build the band.
In doing so, he reminded us that enduring institutions are never the work of a single star, but of generations of committed individuals.
His tributes were acts of gratitude, friendship, and brotherhood that resonated as deeply as the sound of his beloved saxophone.
Above all, Moses was a magnificent storyteller. He wielded the Luganda language with remarkable precision, depth, and creativity. Who else could seamlessly weave a rare and evocative word such as “olunderebu” into a song lyric, perfectly capturing the burden of relentless nagging while still keeping audiences firmly on the dance floor? He gave us the soulful beauty of Maria for our reflective moments and the infectious energy of Sikulimba when celebration called.
He was also a musical chronicler of society, documenting our history, values, and experiences in real time.
In Mukulu Tuzze, he celebrated the heritage of the Baganda clans. In other compositions, he paid tribute to our traditional foods, helping preserve aspects of our cultural identity for future generations.
He captured the widespread joy surrounding the marriage of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and Nnabagereka Syllebration
Through songs such as Musa, he counselled young men navigating life’s challenges. In Olumbe lw’Obwavu, he explored the anxieties and contradictions of poverty and <a s music also reflected the anxieties and hopes of different political eras. In Empisi y'Empisi, listeners found enduring lessons about deception, opportunism, and the importance of discernment in public life. Moses possessed a rare ability to transform social observation into timeless art.
His impact can even be traced in our vocabulary. Many Ugandans returning home after years abroad discovered that expressions and references drawn from Afrigo’s music had become part of everyday conversation. The name Ssemadongo transcended the stage and entered popular usage, becoming inseparable from the band’s enduring legacy.
A lifetime devoted to <a s legacy through a dedicated cultural heritage centre or museum that can house his saxophones, handwritten lyrics, recordings, photographs, and archival materials.
Future generations deserve the <a s cultural landscape. His melodies will continue to echo through our homes, our celebrations, and our memories for generations to come.
Rest in Peace, Papa Moi.
