In January 2016, Alex Heffes was announced as the film's music composer.[3] Speaking to Film Music Magazine, Heffes stated that the score is very "thematic, gentle and orchestral" in comparison to his score for miniseries Roots, though the film is set in Africa.[4] He added the storyline is "universal" and "There are plenty of authentic Ugandan needle drop tracks in the film to set the scene so the score could concentrate more on the music story telling".[4]
Nair's son Zohran Mamdani a.k.a. Young Cardamom had curated and produced the soundtrack, while also acting as the music supervisor, along with Linda Cohen.[5][6] He took inspiration from the musical scene in Katwe streets "to immerse the audience in the modern sound of Kampala".[7] Mamdani had also recorded the track "#1 Spice" with HAB.[8][9] In an interview to Teen Vogue, they stated that the song was curated several months ago, and while working as the music co-ordinator with Cohen, Mamdani had asked to provide an original song which they demanded that the character should sing along to in two scenes.[8] He further exclaimed "The writing part was also interesting because it’s about salt farming, which we knew nothing about, but was central to the story of Phiona and the people around her. We researched what that whole experience was like and reading about those messed up realities and how much it can affect your body was intense. We found ways to work that into the narrative so listeners can learn something from it as well. I think overall, the song really captured the ethos of the film: the cycle of struggle, hustle and celebration."[8]
LaughingPlace.com wrote that "The authentic African music makes you feel connected to the film’s characters and the city of Katwe" and praised Heffes' score stating "worth a listen isolated from the film and offers a very unique listening experience".[15] Claudia Pigg of TheWrap wrote "The Afrocentric soundtrack and score by Alex Heffes utilizing native Ugandan instruments, is delightfully infectious".[16] Mihr Fadnavis of Firstpost had stated that "Alex Heffes’ wonderful soundtrack that features native Ugandan instruments beautifully complements the visuals on the screen, which may leave you with a moist tear duct or two."[17]NewsBytes-based Emma Meconi called the music and dancing was "uplifting" which "revealed the true character of the Ugandans, that of a joyful spirit, resilient nature and happy hearts."[18]
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