Azawi talks spending Shs 24 million on dental transformation

Ugandan singer Azawi has opened up about her costly but life-changing dental transformation, revealing she spent over Shs 24 million to fix her teeth and enhance her smile.

Reflecting on her early days in the music industry, Azawi, born Priscilla Zawedde, admitted she did not feel confident about her appearance. 

“When I entered the music industry, I did not look good. Some people used to call me Mr Azawi!” she said. 

Her insecurity stemmed from a childhood accident where she fell and broke her front teeth. 

She already had a small diastema (gap between teeth), but the fall made it wider. 

Azawi says she knew that fixing her smile was a priority as soon as she started her music career. 

She visited a dentist named Michael, who helped her transform her teeth.

Azawi now has 12 veneers — six on the upper front jaw and six on the lower. 

Dental veneers are permanent dental coverings designed to improve the appearance of teeth. 

The are thin shells, often made from porcelain or composite resin, that are bonded to the front of teeth to mask imperfections such as chips, gaps, or discolouration. 

Porcelain veneers are popular because they mimic the natural shine of teeth and resist stains.

According to Azawi, the veneers she has can last over 40 years but require special care, including using a specific toothbrush and toothpaste. 

Each veneer, she said, cost her about Shs 1 million, excluding the procedure fees. 

The process also involved root canals, each costing around Shs 800,000. Factoring in all costs, the singer revealed she spent over Shs 24 million entirely from her own pocket.

Azawi described the dental work as a necessary sacrifice to boost her confidence and stage presence. 

The transformation has not only improved her smile but also changed how she feels about herself.