Kalifah AgaNaga Defends ‘Nassanga’ Remix After Criticism, Says Goal Is East African Reach
Ugandan singer Kalifah AgaNaga has explained why he decided to revive his hit song “Nassanga” with a star-studded remix, saying the project is about expanding the song’s reach and encouraging unity among artists.
The song recently experienced a major comeback after gaining renewed attention on TikTok, introducing it to a younger generation of listeners and bringing it back into conversations years after its original release.
The new remix features some of Uganda’s biggest names, including Eddy Kenzo, Winnie Nwagi, Weasel, and Lil Pazo.
However, the decision to rework the popular track has not received universal approval, with some fans criticizing the new version and arguing that the original should have remained untouched.
AgaNaga, however, says the collaboration was intentional and inspired by the way artists in other countries come together to push music beyond their borders.
AgaNaga Says Remix Is About Unity
Speaking about the criticism, Kalifah AgaNaga said he understands that some listeners preferred the original version but believes collaborations are necessary for Ugandan music to reach a wider audience.
He pointed to the Nigerian music industry as an example of artists supporting each other when promoting successful songs.
“Many people have been saying I have spoiled the song by doing the remix, but I see Nigerians coming together on a hit song to push it beyond their country,” AgaNaga said.
The singer said he wants to encourage more unity among Ugandan musicians, arguing that divisions within the industry have limited opportunities for artists to grow together.
“We have spent a lot of time fighting in the industry and being disunited. I want to bring that one love back.”
According to AgaNaga, the ambition behind the remix is not only to celebrate the song’s success in Uganda but also to introduce it to audiences across the region.
“Nassanga has hit Uganda, but now we want it in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and across East Africa.”
Lil Pazo Was Added After Public Demand
AgaNaga also revealed that Lil Pazo was not originally part of the remix plans.
According to the singer, the lineup changed after strong public demand for Pazo to be included in the project.
He explained that several artists were approached for the collaboration, but some declined the opportunity, eventually creating space for Lil Pazo to join the remix.
The addition of multiple artists reflects AgaNaga’s broader vision of bringing together different voices from Uganda’s music scene.
“Nassanga” became one of Kalifah AgaNaga’s recognized songs and recently experienced renewed popularity after gaining traction on TikTok.
The resurgence showed how social media platforms can introduce older songs to new audiences and create a second wave of popularity for established artists.
Remixes have become a common strategy in the music industry, allowing artists to refresh older hits, attract new listeners, and create collaborations between different generations of performers.
Why It Matters
The debate around the “Nassanga” remix highlights a wider conversation within Uganda’s music industry about collaborations, creativity, and how artists can compete in the regional market.
While some fans prefer original versions of songs, artists often view remixes as opportunities to expand audiences and create new moments around familiar music.
AgaNaga’s approach reflects his belief that collective efforts can help Ugandan music gain stronger recognition beyond national borders.
For AgaNaga, the remix represents more than just adding new voices to an old song.
The singer says it is about rebuilding connections within an industry where artists have often been divided by competition and disagreements.
His message is that successful music can become a shared opportunity rather than an individual achievement.
Kalifah AgaNaga says the “Nassanga” remix was created with a bigger goal in mind — taking a revived Ugandan hit beyond borders while bringing artists together.