By Our Reporter
Ugandan singer and songwriter, Azawi, real name Priscilla Zawedde, has been selected for the YouTube Black voices program.
Azawi is one of the four African artistes selected for the program. She will be joining the YouTube Black voices class of 2022 alongside other African musicians including Omah Lay and C Kay, who are both from Nigeria, as well as South Africa’s Elaine.
Commenting about the opportunity, Azawi said; “My music is a fusion of African rhythms and sounds, heavily influenced by my life experience with traditional music. I have a passion for writing songs and desire to say something through my craft. I see the YouTube Black Voices Fund availing my work and brand to a bigger audience and platform, which means more exposure and opportunities for my career.”
The YouTube Black Voices project, supported by the YouTube Black Voices Fund, is a development programme designed to directly support and mentor Black artists, songwriters and producers worldwide.
With the aim of equipping up-and-coming Black artists, songwriters and producers with the resources to succeed on YouTube, the class of 2022 will be grouped into two programme streams: one for artists and one for songwriters and producers.
Class participants will each receive dedicated partner support, seed funding to invest in the development of their channels, and opportunities to participate in training and networking programs focused on production, fan engagement and wellbeing.
Over the next 6 months, they will also get opportunities to develop their catalogues and collaborate with other global artists, songwriters, and producers who have also been selected to take part in the programme.
Commenting on the significance of the programme, YouTube’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan, Addy Awofisayo says, “African music is taking the entire world by storm and the YouTube Black Voices Fund is an opportunity to both celebrate and nurture African artistry and help songwriters, producers and artists share their craft with global audiences.”
