Ugandan singer Azawi, real name Priscilla Zawedde, took the spotlight at the 10th edition of the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women’s Summit, delivering a compelling speech on the power of African women in the creative and economic landscape.
The prestigious event, held on March 5, 2025, at the Sun Bet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria, South Africa, brought together some of the continent’s most influential female figures, including business leaders, entertainers, policymakers, and activists.
Dressed in an elegant yet bold outfit that reflected her artistic identity, Azawi delivered an inspiring speech centered on the resilience of African women in the creative industry, the importance of inclusivity, and the role of young female artists in shaping Africa’s global narrative.
A Star Among Icons
Azawi shared the stage with other powerful women, including:
- Tems (Nigeria) – Award-winning artist redefining Afrobeats on the global stage.
- Gyakie (Ghana) – Rising star and influential voice in African music.
- Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019) – Advocate for gender equality.
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Minnie Dlamini – South African media personality and entrepreneur.
- Lesego Chombo – Botswana’s Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture.
The theme of the summit, “To The Power Of 10: The Rule-Breakers In Africa’s Next Chapter,” celebrated women who have shattered barriers and redefined success in their respective industries.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
Azawi took the audience on a journey through her life, from selling street food at 11 years old to becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated artists. She shared how she and her mother struggled to raise school fees, yet she never gave up on her dream of making music.
Her early days involved:
- Writing songs for other artists before stepping into the spotlight.
- Performing as a dancer and even busking on the streets of China to survive.
- Pushing forward despite financial hardships and industry challenges.
She reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic nearly derailed her career just as she was making her breakthrough. Instead of giving up, she channeled her struggles into music, penning the song “My Year”, which became a national anthem of hope in Uganda.
“Dreams don’t die if one refuses to let them go.” – Azawi
Empowering African Women in Music
Azawi’s message was clear: African women must support each other and take control of their own narratives. She highlighted the power of collaboration among female artists and the need to challenge Western dominance in the music industry.
“We are not just making music for Africa; we are making music for the world. When African women support each other, we create a movement that is unstoppable.”
Her presence at the summit reinforced her growing influence as not just an artist, but a voice for African women in the creative industry.
As she left the stage, Azawi’s words resonated beyond the auditorium, sending a powerful message that African women are unstoppable—and the world needs to listen.
