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

How Uncle Waffles Scored a Residency with BBC Radio 1

5 of Uncle Waffles' Most Outstanding Live Performances

Uncle Waffles' Rise to DJ Superstardom

Born as Lungelihle Zwane in the small nation of Eswatini, the artist now known to the world as Uncle Waffles has made a massive splash on the global stage. Wearing the hats of a DJ, model, and TV host, she is a multi talented dynamo. Raised under her grandmother's wing, Uncle Waffles journeyed to South Africa, fueled by her ambition to unearth greater opportunities in the bustling entertainment industry.

Known as the "Princess of Amapiano," a genre that beautifully blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music, Uncle Waffles has quickly ascended to global stardom. Her journey started with a video from a gig in Soweto that went viral, bringing her instant fame and recognition, even from global superstars like Drake.

Tanzania

Uncle Waffles transcends her status as an internet sensation through her undeniable skills and passion for amapiano paving her way to perform on some of the world's most prestigious stages like Coachella, where she was the FIRST-EVER amapiano act, Lightning In A Bottle, and Afronation, where she entranced a 20,000 person crowd.

Recently, Uncle Waffles announced an ambitious plan for 200 days on the road, unveiling her upcoming Euro and US tour, "Who Called the Paparazzi?"

In just one year, the princess of amapiano, Uncle Waffles has become a global sensation, releasing massive records and receiving support from global superstars like 

, Kelly Rowland, Drake, and Ciara. She has shared stages with some of Africa's top stars, including Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid. 

Yahyuppiyah (feat. Pcee, EeQue & Chley) by Uncle Waffles

She received a nomination for Best International Act at the BET Awards 2023. Her album, 

, has achieved Gold certification in a week and entered the global charts, highlighting her impact and influence in the industry.

Uncle Waffles represents the fresh face of a new genre, passionately bringing amapiano to the global stage. With her unique talent and relentless drive, she continues to break barriers, proving that she is more than just a DJ; she's a cultural ambassador for African dance music.

South Africa

amapiano

barcadi

Uncle Waffles

Debut

United States

The Roof of Superior Ingredients

Debut: Uncle Waffles First New York Performance

Avant Gardner

Uncle Waffles + Special Guests

tech house

Max Low

Switzerland

techno

hard techno

Chlär

KAÏ

latin tech house

Luciano

experimental techno

Justin Cudmore

SLAMM

Katie Rex

deep house

house

uk funky

Dennis Ferrer

United Kingdom

Laidlaw

Sweden

dutch house

electro house

pop dance

progressive electro house

progressive house

Sebastian Ingrosso

Uncle Waffles

Articles

Other artists