It is heartbreaking to see a role model become a mafia-Azawi

Singer Priscilla Zawedde alias Azawi, has expressed disappointment in her former mentors, accusing them of betraying the principles they once upheld.

Without naming anyone specifically, the renowned artist shared her frustrations, alleging that a former role model has now aligned themselves with oppressive forces.

“It’s heartbreaking seeing someone you used to look up to turn into a 'Mafia',” Azawi stated.

She lamented the shift in the individual’s stance, pointing out that they were previously known for their relentless advocacy on issues affecting the people.

Now, according to Azawi, this person has become an apologist for the oppressor.

Azawi also accused the individual of misinterpreting and setting up those who use their voices to speak out, leading to their arrest.

“We are arrested, and you boasting among the prominent people is painful,” she added, hinting at a betrayal by someone who once stood with the people but has now chosen to side with the oppressors.

Recently, singer Edrisa Musuuza alias Eddy Kenzo, responded to Azawi's calls rallying fellow musicians to join protests against corruption, suggesting that her stance stems from a lack of experience.

“As people age, they tend to speak less, influenced by their experiences. Where Azawi is now, we've been before. We know a lot she hasn’t yet seen, given our time in the industry. Do I seem like someone who supports corruption?” Kenzo said during a media interview.

The "Sitya Loss" hitmaker also implied that Azawi might be using the anti-corruption campaign for a larger agenda, as some artists have done in the past either quitting music for politics or using such initiatives to attract supporters for future shows.

Kenzo expressed that he cannot support demonstrations, especially violent ones, considering his knowledge of Uganda.

“Some people are protesting because they are inspired by Kenya, a country where citizens set government and private property ablaze,” he said, adding that Azawi doesn’t need his voice to join protesters; she should be self-motivated.

Kenzo was not the first artist to disagree with Azawi.

Recently, singer David Lutalo called critics of musicians' silence on corruption “idiots.”

According to Lutalo, artists have released numerous songs addressing socio-political issues, but these efforts have gone unnoticed by the public.

He mentioned that he has no intention of singing about corruption again, as it doesn’t make business sense given the lack of reception to his previous songs on the subject.

Azawi recently criticised Ugandan artists for remaining silent during the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.

Last week, some youth and concerned Ugandans took to the streets and social media to raise their voices against corruption, notably at the Parliament.

According to Azawi, artists have let down their fans by remaining silent at a time when the people who have supported them over the years came out to protest against corruption.

“Ugandans have supported musicians, both the big and the upcoming, but they are silent. They received money from the government and now they cannot say anything because they are compromised,” Azawi said.

She added that the same people who the artists have failed to support in the fight against corruption are the backbones of their music careers, making it a disservice for artists not to stand in solidarity with Ugandans at such a time.

The Swangz Avenue artist has been vocal against corruption and the state of affairs in the country through her social media platforms