Uncle Waffles: The Rise of the Amapiano Princess
Lungelihle Zwane, professionally known as Uncle Waffles, is a Swazi-born DJ and record producer who has made a significant impact on the South African music scene. Born on March 30, 2000, Zwane has quickly risen to fame within the amapiano genre, earning accolades for both her musical talent and dance skills. Billboard has even dubbed her the “princess of amapiano.” Her debut single, “Tanzania,” not only topped charts in South Africa but also achieved a remarkable 7x platinum certification.
Early Life
Zwane was born and raised in Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland. She grew up without knowing her parents and was raised by her grandmother. As a teenager, she reconnected with her mother, although their relationship remained strained. During her formative years, Zwane was influenced by the sounds of South African house and kwaito music, with artists like Black Coffee, Lebo Mathosa, and DJ Kent shaping her musical tastes. Before venturing into the music industry, she worked as a television presenter on Studio1 on Eswatini TV. Her introduction to DJing came through a friend at the studio, where she practiced on a set of DJ decks. Seeking further education, Zwane moved to South Africa to attend university.
Career
Uncle Waffles began her journey as a DJ in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns, dedicating up to eight hours a day to practice her skills. She signed with the South African creative agency KreativeKornerr, which helped her secure gigs in the competitive music industry. Her big break came in October 2021 at the Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto. A video of her dancing to Young Stunna’s “Adiwele” during her set went viral, significantly boosting her profile.
Venturing into music production, Uncle Waffles released her debut single “Tanzania” in March 2022, ahead of her debut EP, “Red Dragon,” which was released later that month. The single took three months to perfect and was hailed by Rolling Stone as the eighth best afropop song of 2022. Critics praised her as a global ambassador for amapiano.
In April 2022, Uncle Waffles embarked on her first tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, headlining a series of shows organized by Piano People alongside DJ Maphorisa and Focalistic. This tour was recognized as the first all-star amapiano tour in the region.
Key Projects and Collaborations
Uncle Waffles released her debut music video for “Tanzania” in September 2022. That same month, she announced a residency on BBC Radio 1, making her the only DJ to perform at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Accra. She also partnered with KFC South Africa to launch an exclusive “Uncle Waffles burger,” available in local branches in December 2022 and again in September 2023.
Her career continued to ascend as she embarked on tours in the United States and Australia. British publication Mixmag named her one of the top breakthrough DJs of 2022 worldwide. Streaming platform Audiomack recognized her as an “#UpNow” artist in March 2023.
Uncle Waffles’ second EP, “Asylum,” was released in March 2023, featuring the track “Yahyuppiyah,” which was the project’s first single. The EP achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) within a week of its release. In April 2023, she became the first amapiano artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Her influence reached new heights when Beyoncé sampled “Tanzania” in a dance break during her Renaissance World Tour, prompting Uncle Waffles to express her excitement on Instagram.
Recent Works and Achievements
In 2023, Uncle Waffles was nominated for Best International Act at the BET Awards and released the EP “Solace,” which she described as part of a double-sided project titled “An Asylum of Solace.” The EP was supported by the single “Echoes,” featuring Tony Duardo, released on August 4, 2023.
Discography
Extended Plays
- Red Dragon (Released: March 16, 2022)
- Label: KreativeKornerr
- Format: Digital download, streaming
- Asylum (Released: March 31, 2023)
- Label: KreativeKornerr
- Format: Digital download, streaming
- Certification: RISA Gold
- Solace (Released: August 11, 2023)
- Label: KreativeKornerr
- Format: Digital download, streaming
Singles
- “Tanzania” (featuring Tony Duardo, Sino Msolo, and BoiBizza) – 2022
- Peak Chart Position: 1 in South Africa
- Certification: RISA 7x Platinum
- Album: Red Dragon
- “Yahyuppiyah” (Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo, and Justin 99 featuring Pcee, Eeque, and Chley) – 2023
- Peak Chart Position: 5 in South Africa
- Certification: RISA 4x Platinum
- Album: Asylum
- “Echoes” (featuring Tony Duardo, Manana, and Lusanda) – 2023
- Album: Solace
- “Peacock (Revisit)” (featuring Ice Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather) – Peak Chart Position: 3 in South Africa
Other Charted Songs
- “Hayi” (Felo Le Tee featuring Uncle Waffles) – 2022
- Peak Chart Position: 23 in South Africa
- Album: Contagious
Awards and Nominations
2022
- All Africa Music Awards
- Best African DJ: Nominated
- Best Female Artist in Southern Africa: Nominated
- African Muzik Magazine Awards
- Best DJ Africa: Won
2023
- Song of the Year (“Tanzania”): Pending
- Soundcity MVP Awards Festival
- African DJ of the Year: Nominated
- BET Awards
- Best International Act: Nominated
- Headies Awards
- Best Southern African Artist of the Year: Nominated
- GQ Men of the Year Awards (SA)
- Woman of the Year: Won
- MOBO Awards
- Best African Music Act: Pending
Uncle Waffles has rapidly ascended the ranks of the amapiano genre, captivating audiences with her vibrant performances and production skills. Her journey from a television presenter in Eswatini to an internationally acclaimed DJ and producer in South Africa is a testament to her dedication and talent. With a series of successful releases, groundbreaking performances, and influential collaborations, Uncle Waffles continues to shape the future of amapiano, leaving a lasting legacy in the global music industry.