Moses Matovu’s decades with Afrigo Band

Moses Matovu’s Liteside

Any three things we don’t know about you?

Many people know me for blowing the saxophone but I also blow the flute and play the conga. For the saxophone, I play alto, soprano and tenor but I also teach people how to play the guitar. I still play football though not competitively. Music is the only business I have done since 1967. It has sustained me and my family financially.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being able to sustain your family basic needs brings about happiness. It is also good to be happy all the time

What is your greatest fear?

Death is something we can never get familiar with.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am a short-tempered person for which I regret my action sometimes. However I am learning to manage it.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Telling lies and laziness.

Which living person do you most admire?

My sister Yudaya Naiga encourages and guides us all. John Nagenda is another one for the way he does his things in a humble way and for being accommodative to others. I also admire Alhaji Kassim Nakibinge for living an exemplary life and conducting himself in a mature way as compared to his age.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Food for my family comes first to my mind whenever I earn. Good clothes come second.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

I have composed songs that will stay relevant even when I am gone. Songs like ‘Omutanda gyali and ‘Sipiidi kendeeza’ are songs that will maintain my legacy for decades. I am also happy being one of the most respected musicians.

What is your current state of mind?

I would be at peace if it wasn’t for politics that has eaten up everyone and everything to the extent that even the innocent people are dragged into the bad outcomes.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Politics is so much rated in this society and yet the returns do not equate to the time input.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Being powerful can be good or bad. There are those people who use ‘order from above’ yet we are all equal. There are also those who are untouchable and have all the power to influence in the country and beyond.

On what occasion do you lie?

If the intention is to save a life.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I have grown to love myself the way I am.

Which living person do you most despise?

I cannot disclose him but I despise him for being a great liar.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Having principles and goals in life.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Being faithful and respectful of self and others.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I use ‘Actually’ a lot.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

I love all my wives although not in equal share. I also love my children especially my eldest son Adam Bukenya for being disciplined and hard working.

When and where were you happiest?

When we made our first trip to UK in 1989; it was the first tour for the band abroad. It was great performing for an audience of Ugandans outside the country. We have never looked back since then as we travel out every year.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I am a multitalented person.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I have made a legacy through music. My music and relationship with Afrigo Band has come with respect and favour.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A better person at whatever I do.

Where would you most like to live?

Nothing beats Uganda at being a peaceful and accommodative country.

What is your most treasured possession?

Afrigo Band is my other half; many people have come and left but I have kept it with me

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being gunned down or sustaining acid burns.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being a musician; it is something I started at 18 years and still fulfills me.

What do you most value in your friends?

Discipline is all I want in a friend.

Who are your favorite writers?

I am not a good reader though I would love to read more on music.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Fela Kuti was a great musician and saxophonist who would communicate through his music. Bob Marley is another one who composed meaningful music.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Joseph Kiwanuka Aliddeki was my coach in Express FC who encouraged and made me a better footballer.

What are your favorite names?

Names like Ali, Ibrahim and Sarah are great names in Islam.

What is your greatest regret?

All things happen as God planned and I have never regretted anything.

How would you like to die?

I prefer a natural death.

What is your motto?

Discipline is me.

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editor@independent.co.ug