Khalifa Aganaga puts catalog on the market for Shs800m – Sqoop

Ugandan musician Khalifa Aganaga has unveiled an ambitious plan to auction off his music catalog, setting a starting price of Shs800 million in a move that is already stirring conversation across the industry.

Speaking in an interview, the singer said he is shifting focus toward Kampala’s wealthy elite, individuals he believes have yet to fully appreciate the financial potential of music ownership.

“I will come and teach all the wealthy people in Kampala about music,” he said, positioning the proposal as more than just a sale, but a deliberate push to reframe music as a viable investment asset.

At the centre of the deal is Aganaga’s catalog, his body of recorded work built over the years. However, the structure of the proposed auction adds a unique twist. The artist does not intend to walk away from his music entirely.

While the buyer would acquire ownership of the catalog, Aganaga plans to retain his image and performance rights. In effect, he would remain the public face and active performer of the songs, continuing to appear on stage at concerts, weddings and corporate events, while the investor monetises the recordings.

The arrangement creates a hybrid model that blurs the line between artistic identity and commercial ownership, allowing both parties to benefit from the music in different ways.

Aganaga is also framing the deal as a long-term partnership, proposing a 10-year window that would give the buyer time to generate returns through streaming, licensing and other revenue channels, while he continues to drive visibility and relevance through live performances.

For investors seeking even deeper control, the singer revealed he is open to selling his image rights as well, but at a significantly higher price of Shs1.5 billion. Such a deal would hand over near-complete commercial control of his brand, a rare proposition in Uganda’s music industry.

The announcement marks one of the boldest attempts yet by a Ugandan artist to monetise their catalog in a structured, investment-driven format, raising questions about whether the country’s wealthy class is ready to view music not just as entertainment, but as a serious financial asset.