“African music for the part eh…Wulira ekigoma (hear the sound of a drum)”, not only introduces Azawi’s song “Party Mood” but also announces her music style —a cross-section of sounds from reggae to Afrobeats and hints of amapiano.
Recently crowned Uganda’s Artist of the Year and winning several accolades for Best Album, Azawi dominated the East African music market and got the attention of the global afrobeat market.
Her single “Slow Dancing” topped charts in San Andres, Colombia and several neighbouring Caribbean Islands. The single was number one for several weeks in Papa New Guinea.
Named by BBC1 Xtra as one of the five brightest stars from Africa last year and one to watch out for in 2022, Azawi has featured on the UK BBC afrobeat charts, appeared on Apple Music’s Best 100 of 2021, French RFI spotlight artist and more.
This is what she told SoftPower News about her music journey.
Who is Azawi?
My name is Priscilla Zawedde. Professionally, I am known as Azawi. I was born on February 4, 1996, in (Bunga) Kampala to the late Walusimbi Samuel (R.I.P) and Nakamatte Mary.
What is your education level?
A Bachelor’s degree. I studied my primary at Buganda Road Primary and Mother Kevin Primary school in Mukono district before joining St Henry’s College in Ggangu Masajja. I then went to Lubiri Secondary School, London College in Nansana and later St Janani Luwum Secondary School. Thereafter, I joined Makerere University for a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Accounting. I sold food on the streets to support my university education.
What is your profession?
I am a singer, songwriter and brand ambassador (for Guinness).
When did you join the music industry?
My music career began in 2005. I was a dancer in a group called Kika dance troupe. Four years after, I left Kika and joined another cultural and music troupe called Crane Performers. I travelled twice to China to perform as a public park busker with my troupe.
What was your first song ever?
I started writing songs in 2011. It began as a hobby. When my father died in 2012, I halted songwriting to help my mother. She needed money to look after us; my two siblings and I. In 2015, I joined a band. My mother had started a restaurant. So I was working as a waitress and also juggling music stuff. That was when I wrote my first song “Quinamino”.
You started writing songs as a hobby. What made you decide to make it a profession and even start singing?
Passion. I love arts and the art of creating and bringing my imagination to life. When I wrote “Quinamino”, I planned to sell it. Luckily, my songwriting skills had earned me a meeting with Eddy Kenzo. He connected me to artists like Nina Rose, Lydia Jazmine, Carol Nantongo and Vinka. So, when I walked into Swangz Avenue for the first time to sell “Quinamino”…around August 2019…I instead got an offer to join the label. This is how I came to officially pursue a music career.
How many songs have you recorded ever since?
I’m unable to count them now but I have so far put out 27 songs.
Take us through the song production process. What happens from the start to the point a song is considered finished?
It’s usually how I vibe with a given track. But, it’s always a collective effort with my team.
According to you, from this process, what makes a song good or a hit?
I don’t think anyone ever knows what a good song or hit is but I always make sure my songs are relatable. I have my type of sound—The African Sound. The rest is for the consumer to give me feedback.
Among your songs, my favourite is “Repeat it”. Which is your favourite and why?
Right now every song gives me a different feeling and satisfaction. So, I’m unable to choose.
When was your music breakthrough and what song helped you make it?
I would say in January 2020. That’s when I released my first single “Quinamino”.
Which music creatives (producers etc) have made your songs worth the money you put in?
Every producer I have ever worked with has brought something to my music table. So. I respect each and everyone in whichever way they brought my songs to life.
Where do you usually shoot your videos and why?
Any place can be a video set location. Most of this is a decision made by the (music video) directors. We just follow their lead.
Have you won any awards for your songs?
Yes. Several. Female Artist of the Year Janzi awards 2021, Outstanding Album of the Year – African Music Janzi awards 2021, Outstanding Afro Beat/Pop Artist Janzi awards 2021, Artist of the Year Buzz Teeniez awards 2021, Teenz Female Artist of the Year Buzz Teeniez awards 2021, Teenz Hottest Songwriter Buzz Teeniez awards 2021, Teenz Hottest Song of the year – ‘Slow Dancing’ Buzz Teeniez awards 2021 and Teenz Flyest video – ‘Slow Dancing’ Buzz Teeniez awards 2021.
Which artists (local or foreign) do you wish to make collabos with?
Burnaboy and Wizkid.
Tell us about Swangz Avenue. Did you choose them or did they choose you and why?
They chose me. That (the why) is a question for my team.
Tell us about your deal with Trace music.
Trace and I have a great relationship as an artist just like I do with any media house in Uganda. I have tried to create good long-term relationships outside Uganda.
You became the first female and third Ugandan act (after Eddy Kenzo and Bobi Wine) to appear on the New York “Times Square” and Los Angelos billboards. How did you pull this off? And what did it mean to your career?
My team registered me throughout the whole process of YouTube Black Voices. (Azawi is part of Youtube’s Black Music class of 2022 and this partnership has yielded the promotion of her album on some of the most iconic billboard sites in New York Time Square, London, Las Angeles and Atlanta). I was chosen to represent Uganda. It means/meant Africa is watching. They like what they see and they want to be part of Azawi’s journey.
Tell us about your maiden concert at Lugogo. What picture did it give you?
The picture it gave me is that Uganda loves its artists and is ready to shop and consume their music now more than ever.
What is the philosophy behind your music? What are you trying to tell society through your songs?
Embrace Africa because Africa is our home. Let’s tell our own stories because we know them better than anyone else.
Tell us about music as a business. Is it worth a try for those aspiring to be singers?
Just like any business, treat it like a job. But most importantly, have fun in what you do. Love it and naturally, it will love you back.
What would you say is the status of the Ugandan music industry?
We are growing and it’s a good thing.