Ugandan music star Priscilla Zawedde aka Azawi made a powerful impact at the 10th FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women’s Summit on March 5, 2025, in Pretoria, South Africa where influential females gathered including Tems, Gyakie, Zozibini Tunzi, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Minnie Dlamini, under the theme "To The Power Of 10: The Rule-Breakers In Africa’s Next Chapter."
The celebrated singer-songwriter shared the stage with a lineup of iconic women, including Tems (Nigeria), Gyakie (Ghana), Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO Director-General), Minnie Dlamini (South African media personality), and Lesego Chombo (Botswana’s Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture). Themed "To The Power Of 10: The Rule-Breakers In Africa’s Next Chapter," the summit honored women who have defied norms and redefined success in their fields.
Dressed in a bold, elegant ensemble reflecting her artistic identity, Azawi took the audience through her remarkable journey—from a street food vendor to a globally recognized artist. She shared her humble beginnings at 11 years old, when she worked alongside her mother to raise school fees while nurturing a deep love for music.
Despite financial struggles, she remained steadfast in her dream, leveraging opportunities in dance, songwriting, and even busking in China. Her breakthrough came with the release of My Year, a song she wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic, which later became an anthem of hope for many Ugandans.
"Dreams don’t die if one refuses to let them go," Azawi told the audience, urging young women to stay committed to their aspirations despite obstacles.
Following her speech, Azawi joined a star-studded panel discussion alongside Tems, Gyakie, and other industry leaders, where they explored the challenges and opportunities for African women in entertainment and digital media.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration among female artists, urging them to own their narratives in an industry where Western influences often dominate.
"We are not just making music for Africa—we are making music for the world. And when African women support each other, we create a movement that is unstoppable," she passionately stated.
