The 27-year-old singer, songwriter and dancer has penned songs for Eddy Kenzo and Lydia Jazmine among others, and in a candid interview talks about her music journey and what fans should expect on October 20 at Kampala Serena hotel. The Sankofa concept is prominent in Ghana and Swangz Avenue recently set up offices in Ghana.
By naming your latest album Sankofa, are you setting eyes on Ghana?
My team has always set its eyes on the whole world. Sankofa just pushed me to retrace and reconnect with who I was before I became Azawi and hence the body of work.
What were the influences on the new album?
Home in many ways. Home with my family, home in my studio, home with my former traditional dance troupe. Home is my influence.
Music battles have brought a lot of talkability to the industry; do you think the industry needs more of them?
No, and yes, if I may say. However, all I know is we need to release music and let the world know we have raw untapped talent.
Is the local industry on the right path?
Yes, we are, especially the new skool; they are ensuring that we jump on DSPs, out-of Africa promotion, and big collaborations. We are trying everything and it’s working out.
Is it going to be a live or CD experience this Friday at Kampala Serena hotel?
Azawi will always sing live and I will come alive with my band.
How has Swangz Avenue transformed your life since you joined them in 2020?
Lofit Ep, African Music Album, YouTube Voices, Guinness Ambassadorship, Sankofa. These have all happened in less than four years. No artiste has had that much success and that is enough transformation for me.
Your ‘sisters’ Vinka, Winnie Nwagi, and Zafarani; how do you relate to them?
I relate with them differently musically and outside. We sit and talk about each and everyone. We won’t stop… hahahaaa. But I really love them individually. We easily celebrate and support one another because we are all different in our craft; we are taking over East Africa and Africa.
Who is your designer on and off-stage?
Kesh, SirJaylor (Jaylor Birungi), Rasta Kasozi, Nana Carlos, Gash Luxe, Alex, Denim Cartel, and Fati Muks are all my designers, both on and off-stage.
How do you keep fit?
I usually work out twice a week.
What is your favourite song in your catalogue?
For now, they are all my babies. I love every song I make.
Best male and female musician in Uganda?
I will go with Naava Grey and Alien Skin. Those two are my best.
Fact file
Azawi was born to Samuel Walusimbi (RIP) and Mary Nakamatte. She attended Buganda Road primary school, Mother Kevin primary school in Mukono and later joined St Henry’s College in Gangu Masajja, Lubiri Secondary School, London College and St Janani Luwum Secondary School.
She graduated with a Bachelor Of Commerce degree from Makerere University. She does afrobeats music in Luganda and English, and is behind songs such as Majje, Quinamino, Repeat It and My Year, among others.
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