Ugandan rapper Navio, born Daniel Kigozi Lubwama, has opened up about one of the most emotional experiences of his music career, revealing that he nearly broke down while recording his upcoming album with legendary musician Moses Matovu and the iconic Afrigo Band.
For Navio, the collaboration was more than just another studio session. It was a moment of appreciation for a musician he has admired for years and an opportunity to work with one of Uganda’s most respected musical figures.
The rapper said the experience reminded him of the lasting power of great musicianship and the importance of learning from artists who have shaped generations.
Moses Matovu Left the Biggest Impression
During an interview, Navio was asked to identify the person who stood out the most during the creation of his upcoming album.
While acknowledging the contributions of several important names in Uganda’s music industry, both from earlier generations and his own era, Navio singled out Moses Matovu as the person who made the strongest impact.
The rapper praised Matovu’s extraordinary career journey, highlighting his decades of dedication to music through Afrigo Band.
“That’s Afrigo Band, and in particular, it’s Moses Matovu—and it will always be him. Fifty-two years in the industry, and he’s 62 himself. That’s no mean feat.”
For Navio, Matovu represents consistency, talent and longevity in an industry where maintaining relevance for decades is a rare achievement.
A Rare Collaboration With Afrigo Band Classic
Navio revealed that the collaboration involved Afrigo Band’s legendary song “Sikulimba,” a track he said had remained untouched for several decades.
According to the rapper, the song had been protected from outside contributions for more than 40 years, making Matovu’s decision to participate even more meaningful.
“No one has touched ‘Sikulimba’ for about 40 to 46 years. They haven’t allowed anyone to get on it.”
Navio explained that when Moses Matovu visited the studio, he listened to the track, appreciated the direction, and decided to contribute to the project.
The collaboration was recorded live, adding another special element to the creative process.
“So when Mr. Matovu came to the studio, he listened to the track, appreciated it, and decided to play on it. It was a live collaboration.”
“I Almost Cried in the Studio”
For Navio, sharing a studio space with Matovu was an emotional experience because of the respect he has always had for the veteran musician.
The rapper described watching Matovu effortlessly play multiple instruments as a moment he will never forget.
“For me, being one of his biggest fans, I almost cried in the studio.”
Navio highlighted Matovu’s ability to move between instruments, including the flute, clarinet and trumpet, saying he had never witnessed someone switch between them in such a way.
The moment gave Navio a deeper appreciation for the level of skill and dedication required to maintain such a high standard after decades in music.
More Than Music: A Lesson in Discipline
Beyond Matovu’s musical abilities, Navio said he was inspired by the veteran artist’s lifestyle and discipline.
The rapper praised Matovu’s energy, physical fitness and willingness to share knowledge with younger generations of musicians.
“Watching him do what he does so effortlessly while staying physically fit made me tell myself I have to hit the gym.”
Navio added that Matovu had initially planned to spend only one hour with them in the studio but stayed for two hours, offering advice and contributing significantly to the album.
“He was supposed to be with us for one hour, but he stayed for two, giving us advice. He contributed so much to this new album.”
Why This Collaboration Matters
The partnership between Navio and Moses Matovu represents a meeting point between different generations of Ugandan music.
Navio has built his reputation as one of Uganda’s leading hip-hop artists, while Matovu and Afrigo Band remain symbols of the country’s rich live music tradition.
By bringing these worlds together, the collaboration highlights how different eras of Ugandan music can connect through creativity and mutual respect.
It also shows the continued influence of veteran musicians on younger generations of artists.
Human Angle
Behind the upcoming album is a personal story of admiration, respect and learning.
For Navio, the studio session was not simply about recording a song—it was about sharing a moment with an artist whose work helped shape Uganda’s music history.
After decades in the industry, Moses Matovu continues to inspire musicians across generations, and Navio says experiencing that greatness up close was a moment he will always remember.
Final takeaway: Navio’s upcoming album may introduce fans to new music, but his collaboration with Moses Matovu has already given him a memory he considers priceless.