Ugandan music powerhouse Azawi took center stage at the 10th edition of the FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women’s Summit, delivering a thought-provoking and inspiring speech that highlighted the power of women in shaping Africa’s creative and economic landscape. The summit, held on March 5, 2025, at the Sun Bet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria, South Africa, brought together some of the most influential female voices from across the continent, including business leaders, entertainers, policymakers, and change-makers.
Dressed in an elegant yet bold ensemble that reflected her artistic identity, Azawi captivated the audience with her speech, which focused on the resilience of African women in the creative industry, the need for inclusivity, and the role of young female artists in redefining Africa’s narrative on the global stage.
Azawi Among Global Icons at the Prestigious Summit
Azawi joined a lineup of powerful women leaders and creatives, including 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). The theme for this year’s summit, “To The Power Of 10: The Rule-Breakers In Africa’s Next Chapter,” celebrated women who have defied societal norms, broken barriers, and redefined success in their respective industries.
During her session, Azawi reflected on her personal journey from a songwriter to a globally recognized artist, emphasizing that dreams don’t die if one refuses to let them go. She shared how she started as a street food vendor at just 11 years old, working alongside her mother to raise school fees while carrying a deep passion for music. She explained that despite facing financial hardships, she never abandoned her dream.
She recounted how opportunities in dance, songwriting, and even busking on the streets of China helped her stay on course. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to halt her progress just as she was making her breakthrough, she channeled her struggles into music and wrote “My Year”, a song that later became a national anthem of hope in Uganda. Her journey, she noted, proved that success does not come from an easy path but from perseverance in the face of obstacles.
Azawi further encouraged young women and dreamers across Africa to hold on, work hard, and believe in their vision, reiterating that “dreams don’t die if one refuses to let them go.”
Panel Discussion: The Future of Women in Entertainment
Following her speech, Azawi participated in a highly anticipated panel discussion on the impact of African women in entertainment and the creative economy. The panel, which featured Tems, Gyakie, and other leading creatives, explored the challenges and opportunities for African women in music, film, and digital media.
Azawi emphasized the power of collaboration among female artists and the importance of African creatives owning their narratives in an industry where Western influences often dominate. She also spoke about the evolution of African music, highlighting how women are playing a critical role in pushing boundaries and redefining the global sound of African music.
“We are not just making music for Africa—we are making music for the world. And when African women support each other, we create an unstoppable movement,” she stated.
Azawi’s Impact Beyond Music
Azawi’s presence at the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women’s Summit reinforces her growing influence beyond music, positioning her as a voice for change, empowerment, and representation in the African creative industry.
With her unwavering passion, bold advocacy for African women in entertainment, and undeniable talent, Azawi continues to break barriers, redefine success, and inspire the next generation of female creatives across Africa and beyond.
As she left the summit, her message was clear: African women are unstoppable, and the world needs to listen.
