With one of Africa’s most streamed albums of 2021 to her name and an enlistment as one of Guinness’ brand influencers on the continent, it is only right that Azawi and Fik Fameica let confetti pop over their heads.
On this visual collaborative effort with premium beer brand Guinness, Azawi offers fans the hustler’s anthem of the year as she looks back to where she started, how far she has come and cannot help but celebrate.
Nevertheless, she preaches that the reward for hard work is more hard work, likening her work ethic to that of a soldier for the chorus.
Fans today at midday were treated to the new visuals of the fifth effort off her African Music album in a dazzling visual collaboration with the premium froth.
The visuals are shot and directed by her fellow Black Shines Brightest campaign influencer Sasha Vybz.
The seasoned cinematographer offers high end cinematic visuals that see Azawi stroll through a taxi infested street, mounted on a horse, with fellow Black Shines Brightest influencer cum comedian Uncle Mo, who abandons his mechanical repairs to gaze at the songstress’ cowboy inspired aesthetic.
Sasha’s cinematic opening braces fans for more star quality as Fik Fameica, her wingman, is unveiled sitting on a throne while sipping from the golden chalice of worth and achievement.
This is a fete only worthy of he who has done it and made it.Sasha Vybz does not grow weary in well doing as he lines up a suit clad Azawi and Uncle Mo to celebrate Guinness’ Black Shines Brightest campaign at a press briefing with a barrage of paparazzi flashlights.
Beyond the glitz and the glamour, the video is primarily set in the ghetto to balance out the narrative between the success and the process.
Azawi is a living testimony to black shining brightest. From obscurity, to being signed by a premium label before churning out one of the continent’s most streamed albums of 2021.
This is the ultimate hustler’s anthem and the video only raised the bar.Spectacular efforts.
Guinness has teamed up with Swangz Avenue’s hottest kid on the block, Azawi, for the visuals of Majje, her stirring collaboration with rap star, Fik Fameica.
Directed by Sasha Vybz, the video is slated to be premiered this Friday at midday.The collaboration is the fifth effort off her critically acclaimed debut album, African Music.
Azawi’s latest collaboration with Guinness comes in the wake of her being enlisted as an envoy for the premium froth’s continental Black Shines Brightest campaign.
In a teaser that has been shared on Azawi’s official social media platforms, the video promises to be stuff of the cinematic as Azawi, mounted on a horse, takes a stroll through a taxi (Ugandan matatu) infested street to the amazement of onlookers.
The scene takes a likeness to new Netflix release, The Harder They Fall.Azawi’s stardom shines ultra-bright as paparazzi flashlights flood her Guinness themed press briefing.
Guinness seamlessly pools the efforts of the campaign’s faces on the Majje video. Sasha Vybz, who also doubles as one of the influencers signed to the Black Shines Brightest campaign is behind the lens with fellow influencers Malaika Nyanzi and Uncle Mo make cameos appearances, fulfilling collaboration, a key aspect of the campaign.
According to Uncle Mo, he felt excited being on the set of a video shoot for the very first time.
On a lighter note, he says he felt like the groupie since he considers himself the only “non-celeb” among the collective of four.
Mo says he spent most of his time sneaking a selfie or two with Sasha Vybz.
He however appreciates that his skill set got him on the Black Shines Brightest campaign for an opportunity to share such moments of greatness with the other influencers.
For Sasha Vybz, it was more than business as usual collaborating with all the other talents from Guinness’ Black Shines Brightest Campaign on a video set as it called for him to manifest the real magic the campaign represents.
Sasha notes that his assignment was to bring out the spirit of the campaign which is energetic, empowering and celebrating individuals coming together, fizzing with optimism, creativity and potential as they unite to take on the opportunities to create moments and content to be enjoyed by everyone.
Speaking about the experience, Azawi notes that working with creative minds that understand one’s craft is the smoothest thing ever.
“My experience was smooth thats why the production was swift and on point. Remember collective efforts yield results and we delivered a masterpiece! Majje is a hustlers anthem and I couldn’t be any prouder of my BSB tribe,”
The Black Shines Brightest campaign is a Pan African campaign celebrating the iconic black liquid enjoyed all over the continent for over a century.
This exciting campaign is inspired by the bold and unique black beer of Guinness stout and brings together passionate and creative individuals to celebrate the spirit of Guinness and its home across African markets.
Reggae legend, Maddox Sematimba and songstress, Azawi, were the headlining acts at the Bayimba Reggae Fest – which was the first time the two are performing on the same stage, unifying the best of Uganda’s past and present reggae music scene.
The festival, which was sponsored by Pilsner Lager, is a brainchild of the Bayimba Cultural Foundation and was held from 5th – 6th February 2022 at Lunkulu Island in Mukono.
Lovers of reggae music travelled to Mukono by road, after which they took a 10-minute boat ride from Kibanga Port to the island, which offered a magnificent view of Lake Victoria’s breathtaking beauty.
This edition of the festival was a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday and featured campfires, a hike around the island and live performances from the Nilotika Cultural Ensemble, the Blood Brothers and Jamal.
The attendees were further entertained by Azawi, who went through an impassioned set that featured tunes from her latest album – African Music.
She was followed by Maddox Ssematimba, who shook the stage with performances of classics like Munakyalo, Namagembe and the crowd favourite – Dembe. Speaking during the event, Edgar Kihumuro, the Pilsner Lager Brand Manager, said, “Pilsner Lager is a reward for the everyday Ugandan that takes bold steps every day to achieve their greatness, and this festival is yet another opportunity for us to create a deeper connection with our customers through reggae music.”
He added that the Pilsner brand is glad to support creatives and musicians that have, until recently, been out of work since the closure of the night economy over the COVID-19 pandemic that saw bars, concerts and entertainment venues close operations for almost 2 years.
Legendary singer Bebe Cool aka Moses Ssali has outed his annual list of his songs of the year. Below we reproduce it dubbed Bebe Cool list 2021. Happy New Year 2022 to you all!!
1. Pallaso
‘Nalonda Nemala’,
It’s been a good second consecutive year for Pallaso with Nalonda Nemala as the major hit from him this year but also followed it up with Mpa Love, Ani oyo which were fairly good songs, Good job Done.
2. Eddy Kenzo
Eddie Kenzo flying high with Weekend and Sango ft Martha Mukisa, despite his personal challenges Kenzo Maneuvered with Weekend which I would have called the song of the year, if two people had not released what they released this year but also followed it up with Sango being the first artist to have two equally big songs in 2021.
3. Azawi
Swangz Avenue 2021 shining star, the only female artist to release an album in 2021 with two hit songs my year and slow dancing.
With Slow Dancing as her biggest hit song and My year moderate, though all her songs on the album seem to be good and require public attention.
Azawi was clearly ahead of all other female artists because of her affiliation with Record Rebel that pushed her music and brand.
4. Mudra
Mudra bounces back on Bebe Cool list with two hit songs ONKOSA and GWE AMANYI. I wouldn’t organize a concert and miss having this Lad perform because he represents the new energy and vocabulary of the young generation.
Two big songs are two big songs for Mudra, Congs Mudra.
5. Zex Bilangilangi
My firebase criminal bounces back on the Bebe Cool list with a bullet song MAGAZINE and for sure that’s all he needed to be on the list this year, this song is extremely big and good and the character is proving more likeable. When President opens the economy fully, I can’t wait to have him on my concerts.
6. Liam Voice
He is a new entrant breakthrough artist this year with Omwoyo, Bus, Love Olinonya which are relatively good songs. His style of music is not easily salable unless if an artist executes it perfectly well most especially in the times of Zexs and mudras were young people are more into dancing and then
listening.
7. Spice Diana
The hustle continues, surely hardworking has been seen from Spice Diana this year with Ready ft Fik Femaica and Body ft Nince Henry though body is an
average song. Focusing a lot on showbiz and wanting to collaborate might have redirected the recognition of this young lady. I believe if she had focused more on her individual songs she would have been in a better position this year.
The difference in management between Spice Diana and Azawi clearly shows how much investment and experience one has in the game.
If you asked me, which artist had firm ground, I would say Spice Diana but if you asked which artist is doing better Azawi.
The question is, which of these positions would choose as an artist to be firm
on ground or to be doing good at a certain time.
8. Vinka
Thank God
She definitely has to thank God that she appeared on Bebe Cool’s list this year
with THANK GOD, otherwise surely coming from the same record company
with Azawi, the business favored azawi for this year. Sometimes it’s not an
artist doing that they not doing good but remember that also record
companies have disadvantages otherwise I’m sure she is bouncing next year with an album.
9. Sheebah Karungi
More or less nothing surprising about Sheebah doing good and yes she did
good with Boyfire Ft Selector Jeff as a hit song and Yolo half hit.
Its good this year we have seen more women compete with Sheeba unlike the
previous years were she dominated, good job Queen Karma.
One hit wonders 2021
The culture of Bebe Cool list is not to talk about artists with one hit song but
Like her recently released album is aptly called, Azawi is literally taking “African Music” to the world.
The “Slow Dancing” singer who has just inked an influencership deal with Guinness is currently one of the African stars shinning brightest as she appears on billboards in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and London.
The billboards are creating awareness for YouTube’s Black Voice Music Class of 2022, in which Azawi is among four African artistes representing the continent on the programme.
Supported by the YouTube Black Voices Fund, YouTube Black Voices Music Class of 2022 is a development programme designed to directly support and mentor black artistes, song writers and producers worldwide.
Participants in the programme will each receive partner support, seed funding to invest in the development of their channels, and opportunities to participate in training and networking programmes focused on production, fan engagement and wellbeing.
“Queen of vibes on Billboards in New York City Times Square & Los Angeles. African Music to the world,” Azawi posted on her socials.
The news generated excitement from fans and fellow artistes. “Congratulations my talent queen,” BET winner Eddy Kenzo who features on Azawi’s latest album and has previously shared the same billboard space commented on Azawi’s post.
Since its release two weeks ago, Azawi’s African Music album has garnered over 1m streams on different platforms.
Singer Azawi is smiling all the way to the bank as it has been confirmed that the ‘Slow Dancing’ star has finally inked the dotted line making her the face of the Guinness black shines brightest campaign that launched back in August.
Azawi, who released her debut studio album just a week ago is officially a part of the selected African talents ranging from music, fashion, art among other sectors that have been chosen to land the campaign.
These individuals will create moments, events, and content to be enjoyed by everyone. The Ugandan list includes shining star Azawi, who burst onto the music scene with a fresh take on Afro Beats; Sasha Vybz a sought-after video director across the continent and Malaika Nyanzi, an award-winning actress and media personality, among others.
“Azawi is an exceptional woman that has proved time and time again through her music that she is bold and is made of more. She has taken on the reigns of the Ugandan music industry by introducing a new sound and creative style of music that has inspired many. She is the definition of Black Shines Bright, and I cannot tell you how happy we at Guinness are for her to join our team,” says Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Guinness Brand Manager.
From across the continent, Guinness is collaborating with Ghanaian choreographer, Incredible Zigi, who is creating dance challenges that have gone viral around the world; Nigerian artist, Fireboy who is leading the way with his unique Afro-life music, which is inspiring a new generation of music fans and Nigerian designer, Adebayo Oke-Lawal who founded Orange Culture and is breaking the mould of traditional fashion gender categories with a range of androgynous menswear.
Others are, Tanzanian singer, Nandy, who is changing the face of music by producing the kind of music that speaks directly to her fans; Nigerians Kehinde Durojaye, a self-taught inventor who is pushing boundaries and showing real ingenuity with his incredible jet car made from trash, that can run on land and sea and Prince Nelson Enwerem, a mover and shaker who is setting trends and leading the way in culture in Nigeria.
The campaign is a new Pan African movement celebrating the iconic black liquid enjoyed all over the continent for over a century.
This exciting new campaign is inspired by the bold and unique black beer of Guinness stout and brings together passionate and creative individuals to celebrate the spirit of Guinness and its home across African markets.
Azawi’s album African Music has dropped on all major streaming platforms this Independence Day, and it is nothing short of incredible.
However, before the album was released, Azawi’s record label Swangz Avenue in conjunction with Guinness held listening sessions for business and industry associates, select fans plus the media.
African Music promises to be a great body of work as My Year and Slow Dancing, two singles that were released prior to the 16-track album release are already topping the charts across the country.
“Dropping my album this year especially My Year, the first track off the album that we released is like an affirmation for me about this year and I am beyond grateful to everyone that has been a part of this. I have been able to record a lot of great content within a year and eight months and I hope you all love it,” said Azawi at her listening session held at Onomo Hotel in Nakesero.
Azawi is an influencer for Guinness’ Pan African ‘Black Shines Brightest’ campaign hence the brand being behind the listening parties.
“Azawi is a talented young woman who oozes creativity, optimism and ambition, demonstrating how one can shine brightest in the music industry. We are proudly associated and congratulate her on this milestone,” said Guinness Uganda Brand Manager Elizabeth Mutamuliza at the listening session.
The second listening session was held at the Swangz Avenue offices in Industrial Area and music critics who attended referred to the album as a musical journey well equipped with soul and emotion, albeit with an African touch.
The album features A-Pass, Eddy Kenzo, Benon Mugumbya and Fik Fameica with production credits from Uganda’s top producers as well as Wasafi Records producer Lizer Classic, giving it a diversity of sound. Azawi has writing or co-writing credits on all the songs on the album.Music lovers and critics alike will find a lot of vibrancy on the new album as it cuts across different genres like the cultural Ugandan sounds, Reggae, Afrobeats and a dash of Amapiano.
Despite the different genres that feature on the track list, her music remains authentic and undiluted from her true self; a humble girl from Bunga, Azawi is a musical force to reckon with.
The album is now available on all major streaming platforms across the world.
Singer Azawi’s anticipated 2021 album “African Music Azawi” is literally hours away from being released and at this moment, friends and fans are on standby as they eagerly await her masterpiece.
Guinness has made it possible for industry associates, media and lucky fans to attend listening sessions before the official release.
Azawi was recently named an influencer for Guinness’ Black Shines Brightest campaign. “Music is my thing and inspiring rising stars is how I shine brightest, post a video of yourself singing along and stand a chance to listen to my album before it drops globally,” Azawi posted on her social media, indicating how fans can have an opportunity to attend the listening session.
The first listening session is on this Thursday afternoon at Onomo Hotel in Nakasero. It is an invite only affair and so will tomorrow’s session at her label Swangz Avenue’s offices.
Her 16-track album is one to captivate music lovers out there with fans already picking at which of the tracks they have enjoyed thus far like Slow Dancing, and My Year.
With other well-known artists featuring on the album like APass, Kenzo, Fik Fameica and Benon Mugumbya, it is without a doubt that the album will be a remarkable hit once it is dropped.
The “Quinamino” star will have her album available for listening on October 9 across all music digital streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, Boom Play, Audio Mack and many more.Fans can pre save the album now on https://azawi.ffm.to/africanmusic
The 12th edition of Roast and Ryhme was a hit at Jahazi Pier Munyonyo yesterday. Partiers kicked off new month of March in style at the fun filled event.
People had good time with families and friends at the Reggae Ragga Nyam Nyam Edition.
Partiers enjoyed the event fully as they danced to reggae Ragga music from the stars of the game like Bob Marley (RIP) Lucky Dube (RIP) and many others.
The Bell Lager sponsored event didn’t leave out Ugandan stars as new Swangz Avenue kid on the block Azawi took to the stage to entertain revellers.
Janzi Band was also there to do what they do best ‘live music’. A-Pass and John Blaq added more fire to the event as they took to the stage and thrilled fans.
Roast & Ryhme has become a must attend social event and a force to reckon with on the social scene. Watch out for the 13th edition in the next few months. Watch the space!!!
