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.

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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.

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Gray Area's new venture, "Debut," aims to bridge the international house music community by bringing established and emerging artists to cities they've never performed in. This initiative seeks to expand artists' fan bases and provide fans with fresh, exhilarating musical experiences. Having played a role in introducing major artists and brands like elrow and Awakenings to new audiences in the past, Gray Area believes in the magic of first-time experiences. By promoting artists in new venues and cities, they hope to cultivate a thriving, unified house music ecosystem. Debut is not merely a marketing strategy but embodies Gray Area's commitment to fostering collaboration, unity, and musical discovery.

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