Ugandan singer Priscilla Zawedde, popularly known as Azawi, took center stage at the 10th edition of the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women’s Summit, delivering a powerful speech that celebrated the resilience, creativity, and influence of African women in shaping the continent’s cultural and economic future.
Held on March 5, 2025, at the Sun Bet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria, South Africa, the summit gathered some of Africa’s most influential women, including business leaders, entertainers, policymakers, and innovators.
The theme, “To The Power Of 10: The Rule-Breakers In Africa’s Next Chapter,” honored women who have shattered barriers and redefined success in their respective fields.
Dressed in a striking ensemble that embodied her artistic identity, Azawi captivated the audience with a speech centered on the power of African women in the creative industry, the importance of inclusivity, and the role of young female artists in reshaping Africa’s global narrative.
Sharing the stage with powerhouses like Tems (Nigeria), Gyakie (Ghana), Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General of the WTO), Minnie Dlamini (South African media personality), and Lesego Chombo (Botswana’s Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport, and Culture), Azawi stood tall as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring creatives across the continent.
During her speech, Azawi took a heartfelt dive into her personal journey—from a humble street vendor to an internationally recognized artist. She recounted how, at just 11 years old, she worked alongside her mother selling street food to raise school fees, all while nurturing her passion for music.
Her path to stardom was anything but smooth. She shared how her journey led her from dancing and songwriting to busking on the streets of China—a testament to her unwavering dedication. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to derail her rising career, she turned her struggles into music, penning the uplifting hit “My Year”, which became a national anthem of hope in Uganda.
Azawi reminded young dreamers across Africa that success is not about an easy path but about perseverance. “Dreams don’t die if you refuse to let them go,” she told the captivated audience.
Following her speech, Azawi joined a panel discussion alongside Tems, Gyakie, and other leading creatives, delving into the challenges and opportunities for African women in entertainment. The conversation explored gender disparities, ownership of creative content, and the evolving role of African music, film, and digital media on the global stage.
Azawi passionately spoke on the power of collaboration among female artists and emphasized the need for African creatives to own their narratives in an industry still dominated by Western influences.
“We’re not just making music for Africa—we’re making music for the world. And when African women support each other, we create a movement that is unstoppable,” she said.
