TAKEAWAYS

Mun*G says good songs depend on production quality and lyrics

Hit songs are determined by public taste, not technical quality

Party songs often become hits despite weaker production

Veteran Ugandan rapper Mun*G has explained why some well-produced songs fail to become popular hits, while others with questionable quality dominate the streets.

Speaking during an appearance on NBS After 5, the rapper was asked to draw the line between a “good song” and a “hit song” — and his answer was clear: the two are not the same.

According to Mun*G, a good song is built in the studio. He said it comes down to the technical aspects like production, mixing, mastering, and lyrical depth.

“A good song is made in the studio. It’s about the quality — the production, the mixing, the mastering, and the lyrics. When you listen to it, you can feel that it’s well done,” Mun*G explained.

However, he noted that quality alone does not guarantee success with listeners.

“A hit song is decided by the people. You can have a very good song that never becomes a hit, and at the same time, a poorly produced song can become a hit because that’s what people want.”

Mun*G pointed to party-driven tracks — often referred to as “nyanya nyanya” songs — as examples of music that may not tick all the technical boxes but still resonates widely with audiences. These songs, he said, are designed for enjoyment and tend to dominate clubs and social spaces.

He added that some hit songs don’t even perform strongly on charts, yet remain popular on the ground. On the flip side, some of the most technically sound songs by artists rarely achieve the same level of mass appeal.

This disconnect, Mun*G suggested, is part of the reason Ugandan music sometimes struggles to grow, as artists are torn between making quality music and creating what the public demands.