Debut: Uncle Waffles New York

South African DJ and viral social media sensation Uncle Waffles makes her New York debut on the gorgeous Superior Ingredients Roof this December 3rd! In the wake of amapiano taking the world by storm, Uncle Waffles has risen to become one of the genre's fiercest champions. Amapiano began to gain international traction around 2019. Defined by a blend of percussive loops, enchanting melodics, energetic vocals, and elements of deep house and jazz, amapiano is arguably the biggest sound coming out of the African continent right now.

The 22-year-old artist 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 reached millions of viewers who helped her kick-start her career. The amapiano messenger is widely known for leaving audiences begging for more. Her unique style has earned her a loyal following among clubgoers and music lovers, receiving co-signs from renowned stars, including rapper Drake, Diplo, Major League DJz, Adam Port, &ME, and Rampa.

Uncle Waffles kicked off her European summer tour at Afronation in Portugal, playing alongside amapiano legends Major League DJz. Since then, she has given electric performances in France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Finland. Her impeccable taste also recently scored her a residency on BBC Radio 1, where she spent the month of September dropping the genre's biggest hits every Thursday evening over the airwaves for the tastemaking British radio outlet.

In her hope to influence and share her love of music with the world, Uncle Waffles continues to push amapiano to the masses. The Swaziland-born DJ is so much more than just an internet sensation. She's a cultural ambassador and a champion of a unique musical art form showing the world the breadth of Africa's dance music contributions.

We are proud to have Uncle Waffles as a part of Gray Area's Debut event series. Learn more about our vision for Debut here.