Priscilla Zawedde, professionally known as Azawi, has transformed from a young dancer in Kampala into one of East Africa’s most prominent Afrobeat and Afro-fusion artists. Known for her skillful songwriting and blending of Luganda and English, Azawi has gained international recognition, including a feature on New York’s Times Square billboards and selection for YouTube’s Black Voices Music Class. Below is an overview of her life, career, personal details, earnings, discography, and awards.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Priscilla Zawedde |
| Date of birth | 2 February 1996 |
| Place of birth | Kampala, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Partner | Private; described as a tall, dark-skinned Muslim based in the U.S. |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, dancer |
| Record label | Swangz Avenue (since 2019) |
| Net worth | Approximately US$1 million |
Early Life and Education
Azawi, born Priscilla Zawedde, grew up in the Nakulabye neighborhood of Kampala, Uganda. She is the eldest of three children. Her father passed away in 2012, which motivated her to support her family through her talents.
She attended several schools during her early years, including Buganda Road Primary School and Mother Kevin Primary School.
For secondary education, she went to St Henry’s College Ggangu-Masajja, Lubiri Secondary School, London College Nansana, and St Janani Luwum Secondary School.
Later, she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Makerere University, balancing her education with her growing passion for music.
Career
Azawi’s career began with dancing, joining a local dance troupe while still in primary school. She toured both within Uganda and internationally before shifting her focus to songwriting in her teenage years.
Over time, she wrote songs for well-known Ugandan artists while working in her mother’s restaurant to support herself.
In 2019, she signed with the Swangz Avenue record label after presenting the song “Quinamino,” which she originally intended to sell to another artist. Instead, the label encouraged her to perform it herself.
The song’s success launched her career as a solo artist. Since then, she has released an EP and multiple albums, blending Afrobeat, amapiano, and R&B influences.
She has since earned numerous awards and international exposure, including MTV Base Africa’s “Artist to Watch” recognition.
Additionally, her music has gained international recognition, and she has been featured on billboards in New York’s Times Square and Los Angeles, marking her as one of Uganda’s leading contemporary musicians.
Personal Life
Azawi keeps her romantic life private but has confirmed a relationship with a U.S.-based partner. She has spoken openly about past challenges in relationships and her desire to marry and have children in the future.
Azawi Net Worth
Azawi’s net worth is estimated at around US$1 million, with significant income from streaming, performances, and brand endorsements such as Guinness. Her earnings continue to grow alongside her expanding international profile.
Discography
Albums
- Lo Fit (2020)
- African Music (2021)
- Sankofa (2023)
- African Music (Deluxe) (2022)
- Azawi The Ultimate Collection (2022)
Selected Singles
- Quinamino
- Repeat It
- Slow Dancing
- My Year
- Majje (feat. Fik Fameica)
- Party Mood
- Fwa Fwa Fwa
- Craving You Heavy
- Gimme
- Bamututte
- Thankful (feat. Benon)
- Face Me (feat. A Pass)
- Ku Kido
- Tubatiisa
- Nkuchekele (feat. Eddy Kenzo)
- Love You Is Eas
- Crazy Lover
- Toast to 75
- Mbinyumirwa
- Craving You Heavy Remix (feat. Chike)
- Masavu
- Ten Over 10
Awards and Recognitions
Awards Won:
- Janzi Awards 2021: Female Artist of the Year
- Janzi Awards 2021: Album of the Year for African Music
- Buzz Teeniez Awards 2021: Artist of the Year
- Buzz Teeniez Awards 2021: Female Artist of the Year
- Buzz Teeniez Awards 2021: Hottest Songwriter
- Buzz Teeniez Awards 2021: Flyest Video (for “Slow Dancing”)
- Buzz Teeniez Awards 2021: Song of the Year (for “Slow Dancing”)
Notable Nominations:
- Buzz Teeniez Awards 2021: 6 nominations including Teenz Artist of the Year, Teenz Female Artist, Teenz Hottest Songwriter, Teenz Hottest Song of the Year, Teenz Flyest Video, and Teenz TikTok Sound of the Year
- Zzina Awards 2022: Nominated for Best Contemporary Urban Artist, Female Artist of the Year, Best Artist of the Year, and Best Songwriter of the Year
Special Recognitions:
- Selected for YouTube Black Voices Music Class 2022
- Named MTV Base Africa “Artist to Watch” 2022
- First Ugandan female artist featured on New York Times Square and Los Angeles billboards
Azawi’s awards and nominations highlight her rapid rise and dominance in Uganda’s contemporary music scene, especially in 2021 and 2022.
