Throughout recent history, South Africa has birthed multiple iterations of dance music. The country has continuously spawned genres and subgenres such as kwaito, Afro house, and gqom—which have all immeasurably impacted international dance floors and touched far-reaching audiences.




The nation at the bottom tip of the African continent has produced yet another global phenomenon that’s been steadily brewing over the past few years. Ever-creative and authentic with the naming of its unique takes: Amapiano is South Africa’s latest contribution to the global dance music scene.




The History of Amapiano




The story of Amapiano begins in the townships. The disfranchised neighborhoods, where Black people were displaced during apartheid, further away from the city centers and urban, suburban areas. The ghetto, or as many South Africans fondly refer to them, ekasi (the township).




During the early 2010s, innovative kasi producers started slowing down the tempo of Afro house tracks like Mobi Dixon’s 2014 “City Rains” from 125 BPM to around 115. From this trend grew the urge for some to produce their own slow-burning compositions. Taking sonic cues from the likes of DJ Clock, Bekzin Tetris, Da Capo, Chymamusique, Brazo Wa Afrika, SculpturedMusic, and Nastee Nev, amongst other deep/Afro house producers, early creators and adopters of amapiano fused their inventive style with elements of jazz and kwaito to create a melange of sounds.




This hybrid style of house has murky origins. Or, at the very least, disputed. Some imply that it was pioneered by Katlehong’s Maero and Force Reloaded before they joined forces to become MFR Souls. Their mixes, dubbed Musical Experiences, became particularly popular within townships in the East Rand, Alexandra, Soweto, and Tembisa. But, apart from the Johannesburg hoods, the sound also caught fire in Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Hammanskraal, and Soshanguve——townships in Pretoria, which others argue are the birthplace of amapiano.









“Amapiano is not even a name which came about [from] us, as producers. It came about people calling it like that,” expressed protagonist Gaba Cannal on the MTV Base-aired docuseries, Liyadlal’iPiano. It was people who first embraced the sound and frequented party spots like Corner Junction in Dube, Soweto, and Club Africa, where spearheaders such as MFR Souls, Kabza De Small (check out his Avenue Sounds mix series to hear his earlier stuff), DJ Stokie, DJ Stoks, Bantu Elements, JazziDisciples (now separated duo made up of Mr. JazziQ and Josiah De Disciple) and others would be playing. While some admired it in its formative years, amapiano equally had detractors, who criticized the sound for its alleged “bastardization of deep house,” syncopated beats, and heavy use of the piano and organ—which its name is also said to come from.









“A lot of people didn’t pay attention to it at first. It was just one of those sounds, loud squeaky piano solos, off-key tunes, and whatever,” shared Maero of MFR Souls on the critically acclaimed amapiano documentary Shaya! (one of the first to be made on the subject). In its purest and most authentic form, amapiano is a by-product of cracked FL Studio software, plugins, and beat packs shared amongst bedroom producers working from backrooms and cottages. And like any burgeoning scene or musical form, amapiano was looked down upon by the mainstream entertainment industry. This was partly due to South Africa’s dynamic and highly-competitive dance music scene, which, at the time of amapiano’s initial ascendance, was dominated by a prevailing sound that was (arguably) more compelling and profitable, especially to urban, “high-class” crowds and to establishments and organizations outside the Gauteng province.









Popular and national radio and television stations wouldn’t give the genre a chance. Traditional media ignored and sidelined the movement as inferior, which in hindsight, resulted in the lack of sufficient documentation of the sound’s origins and infancy. Presenter and media personality Da Kruk is often credited as the first commercial radio jock to spin amapiano tunes on his radio show, which aired on the regional youth station, YFM, circa 2016. He had a segment called Amapiano Hour, solely dedicated to showcasing sound, mostly through mixes submitted by DJs/producers.









Labels like the now defunct House Afrika Records and Born in Soweto (the former being co-owned by South African dance music legends Tim White, Vinny Da Vinci, and Dj Strat3gy) were one of the first labels to support and attempt to commercialize the movement through the release of the Amapiano Is A Lifestyle and Amapiano compilation series between 2016 and 2020. This independent ethos would spill over when most of the leading luminaries started their own labels, signed distribution deals, or got into joint ventures with major record labels like Sony and Universal.




The Current State of Amapiano




The tides began to turn in the genre’s favor in 2019 when purveyor Kabza De Small teamed up with esteemed producer DJ Maphorisa to put out their eponymous and seminal EP, Scorpion Kings. The genre-elevating project boasted the hit tracks “Amantombazane,” “Koko,” and “Vula Vala.” Other like-minded producers featured on the album, including MFR Souls and Vigro Deep, alongside already-established artists like Samthing Soweto, Nokwazi, and Moonchild Sanelly. Vocalist Sha Sha, sometimes touted as the Queen of Amapiano, was first introduced to the world via the EP. The following year she walked away with a BET Award for Viewers Choice: Best New International Act.









In the past few years, other international award ceremonies have recognized the genre and its artists, particularly in Europe—where the genre has the largest stronghold outside of the African continent. Kabza De Small, often regarded as the king of amapiano, was nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2020, making way for Focalistic and Musa Keys to get the same nod in 2021 and 2022, respectively.




Communities, events, festivals, and touring franchises in the UK (mostly) have also emerged. For instance, Amafest (debuted in the UK and Ghana in 2021) and Piano People (famously had a stage at this year’s Afrochella in Portugal), amongst many others.









At this point, it is inarguable that amapiano has reached territories far beyond the borders of its origin. Front-running artists are getting booked and playing shows outside their home turf. In fact, one of the genre’s most significant hurdles right now is artists getting traveling documents on time—a testament to the genre’s outstanding growth. While securing a US visa can be complex, a few acts like Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, and Uncle Waffles (slated to play at Coachella in 2023) have managed to get them and have played multiple shows in North America. Major League Djz, who happen to have been born in the US, have been regulars in The States, helping to spread the culture of ‘piano. Along with playing on the world’s biggest and most respected stages. The duo linked up with Major Lazer on the cross-continental ‘piano track “Koo Koo Fun,” with Nigerian pop star Tiwa Savage and DJ Maphorisa.




DSPs and social media have also played a significant role in the spreading and showcasing of amapiano and its broader culture and lifestyle to wider markets. Streaming giant Spotify released data showing that there has been huge growth in the streaming numbers of the genre outside of South Africa, with the UK, U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and France being amongst the biggest territories.









Besides the actual music, the release and work rate of amapiano artists is perhaps what sets them apart. Since its inception, collaboration and community among artists and producers have been hallmarks of the genre. Within the community lies a subtle, competitive spirit and an eagerness to expand the sound. It drives producers and artists to be ever-evolving, experimental, and constantly searching for new vibes and elements to incorporate.




Today, the highly malleable amapiano has its own offshoots. The thundering Sgija, soulful Private School’ Piano, syncopated Mozambique, France, glimmering Piano Tech, Electro-house-inspired, and Bacardi house-indented iterations as heralded by the likes of Mdu a.k.a TRP, Jaivane, Kelvin Momo, ZanTen, TNK MusiQ, Vigro Deep and Mellow & Sleazy, are a few that come to mind.




As has been proven, time will reveal what comes next for the genre, but “Amapiano to the world” is in full motion. And if the past few years are anything to go by, there is still so much in store.



The Then and Now of Amapiano: South Africa’s Latest Pulsating Dance Music Genre

Since the debut of her viral video of a performance in Soweto, South Africa, Amapiano DJ Uncle Waffles has been making her presence known internationally. Her distinctive style and irresistible energy have made her a favorite among ravers and music fans.




Uncle Waffles has had quite a busy year. First, she kicked off her European summer tour at Afronation in Portugal. Since then, she has given electric performances in France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Finland.



In September, BBC Radio 1 confirmed Uncle Waffles as part of the residency lineup for September 2022. Each month two DJs are selected to showcase the freshest, most influential, and emerging sounds for one of the world’s most lauded broadcasting institutions. It’s an immense honor to join the Radio 1 team, even for a short stint. It’s confirmation that, as an artist, you are truly leading the pack and doing something incredibly unique. Uncle Waffles joins an illustrious lineup of residency alums, including Maya Jane Coles, Sama Abdulahadi, Ewan McVicar, Charlotte de Witte, and The Blessed Madonna.




October saw Helena Hauff and Eliza Rose as hosts. And Joseph Capriati and Skream are featured during the residency in November.




“So proud to announce that I will be joining BBC RADIO 1’s Residency as a host where I will be shedding the spotlight on the genre that changed my life; amapiano and some of its hottest songs to date! Every Thursday 11pm UK time & Midnight SA Time,” she tweeted.




In her hope to influence and share her love of music with the world, Uncle Waffles continues to prove that she is an unstoppable force here to take the Amapiano sound to its greatest heights.












How Uncle Waffles Scored a Residency with BBC Radio 1

South African DJ Uncle Waffles has been making waves as a top-tier international DJ, helping propel the amapiano sound to its greatest heights. She has won millions of hearts since the viral video that catapulted her into the international scene, and she keeps bringing her irresistible energy to every location where she performs. Here are five of Uncle Waffles’ most outstanding live performances.



1. Uncles Waffles live at the Mint in Soweto





Uncle Waffles' rise to fame began after this 27-second viral video of her DJing at Mint The Venue in Soweto hit Twitter. Her rise to international recognition is not only thanks to her DJ skills, but also to her smooth dance moves. She charmed the internet with her capacity to captivate a crowd.



2. Uncle Waffles Live in Manchester





When she played live in Manchester, it was evident that Uncle Waffles enjoys amapiano as much as she enjoys performing the genre’s tracks. Experience her exquisite selection as she plays heavy hitters from the likes of Daliwonga, uMlando, Busta 929, and loads more.



3. Uncle Waffles for Boiler Room x Ballantine's True Music Studios: Johannesburg







Uncle Waffles left the crowd begging for more at her electrifying performance in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her undeniable energy permeated the venue as she executed perfect transitions between head-bopping amapiano hits.



4. Uncle Waffles Live at Tshwanefontein







Uncle Waffles' set at Tshwanefontein is a good reminder of why she has been instrumental to the growth of the amapiano genre. Here she showcases tracks from key players in South Africa’s leading genre export including  DJ Maphorisa and Chievosky and Friends as well as some tracks off her debut EP Red Dragon.



5. Uncle Waffles Live at KOKO in London







Uncle Waffles brought the electrifying spirit of amapiano to London during this performance at KOKO. Carrying solid tracks from Deep London, Boohle, Young Stunna, and many others, she mixed some of the biggest South African sounds in a seamless soundscape.

5 of Uncle Waffles' Most Outstanding Live Performances 

In 2019, the South African genre amapiano began to gain recognition on a global scale. Amapiano is characterised by a fusion of deep house, jazz, and percussive loop samples with melodic, enlivening vocals. It is arguably the biggest sound to come out of the African continent right now.



22-year-old Uncle Waffles, born Lungelihle Zwane, first stole the world’s hearts in October 2021 with a viral video of her performance at Mint in Soweto, South Africa. Through the power of social media she was able to reach millions of viewers who helped kickstart her career in the industry.



Zwane explains that she wasn’t supposed to have that DJ slot—but when the opportunity came up, she grabbed it with both hands. “The person who was supposed to take that slot cancelled,” she says. “Just like that, a 30-minute slot that was not supposed to be mine… Here I am today.”







The viral video of Uncle Waffles entertaining hundreds at a venue in Soweto has received over 5 million views on Twitter alone. After topping Twitter’s trending list, her Instagram following grew from 10k to a whopping 160k. Her distinctive style and irresistible energy have made her a fan favorite among ravers and other music fans alike. She has received nods from well-known celebrities, including rapper Drake and former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.





With the quick rise to success and fame that Uncle Waffles has seen as DJ, she is now working on highly anticipated new original music in the hopes of solidifying her position within the industry through her dedication to the craft. Zwane celebrates 6 million all-time streams on her Apple Music account since releasing her debut EP Red Dragon. She hopes to share her love of music with the world and venture into other creative endeavours. The future looks brighter than ever for DJ Uncle Waffles.

Uncle Waffles

Madzadza Miya

Lauryn Njeri

Lauryn Njeri

Lauryn Njeri