The Internet has helped many South African musicians and artists become famous. A new DJ named Uncle Waffles grabbed the attention of the country’s entertainment scene. A video of her performing for a huge crowd went viral, landing her at the top of Twitter’s trending list. Uncle Waffles gained fame not just for her DJ skills but also for her impressive dance moves. Her knack for entertaining a crowd won hearts across the internet. Her brief Twitter video has garnered over 3.2 million views, with many users admitting they couldn’t tear themselves away from watching it! Marking Uncle Waffles’ Inspirational Journey.
Uncle Waffles’ Inspirational Journey to Global Stardom
In just 24 months, DJ Uncle Waffles has undergone a life-changing journey—from her initial start on the turntables to achieving international acclamation as a DJ and producer.
“It still feels surreal, like it’s not really happening,” shared the 23-year-old sensation with CNN, reflecting on her headline performance at Revolt World in Atlanta, Georgia.
Using social media, Uncle Waffles has emerged as a sought-after figure in Amapiano, a rapidly growing African music genre. She has managed to blend it with Deep House with kwaito, jazz, and basslines. Dubbed the “Princess of Amapiano,” she appreciates the title but admits she doesn’t entirely embrace it, considering herself more of a “girl’s girl.”
The Influence of Uncle Waffles’ Inspirational Journey on Women DJs
As a “Princess of Amapiano,” Uncle Waffle explains the desire to lift women, majorly those in the DJ industry. She asserted “I don’t want it to ever make people feel like women have to always be up against each other. We can all coexist, and we can all shine together.” Without a doubt, she is creating a platform that would encourage young aspiring girls who have dreams to take over the world through their talent and unique performances.
Early Life and Career of Uncle Waffle
Born Lungelihle Zwane in Eswatini, once known as Swaziland, between South Africa and Mozambique, she displayed her creativity for animation from an early age. Encouraged by her mother to explore creativity, she sought leading roles and exaggerated characters in plays.
Influenced by South African artists Lebo Mathosa and Chomee, this lively young girl was destined for the spotlight. “They were amazing performers,” she remarked. “Unapologetically themselves—I wanted to be there.”
Despite lacking singing skills, she knew she had the potential to excel. During the COVID-19 pandemic’s peak in 2021, she ventured into the music scene, dedicating extensive hours daily to DJing, gradually falling in love with the craft.
She adopted the moniker “Uncle Waffles” a name stemming from a high school nickname based on an “animated American TV series” character. At 21, she relocated from Eswatini to South Africa, seeking an opportunity to support her creative craft.
Initially faced with minor or unpaid gigs, an unexpected chance to fill in for a DJ at Soweto’s Zone Six Venue in 2021 marked a turning point. Determined to make an impression, she engaged with the crowd, realizing the significance of interaction during her performance.
A video of her dancing to Young Stunna’s “Adiwele,” shared by Canadian rapper Drake, turned viral overnight, propelling Uncle Waffles into unforeseen stardom. “I never imagined it would change my life so drastically,” she confessed. “How does one go from unpaid shows to international bookings within a week?”
How Dance has influenced Uncle Waffles’ Inspirational Journey
Ever since her breakout moment, Uncle Waffles has infused dance into her performances. Recognizing language barriers hindering the global popularity of Amapiano music, she discovered the power of dance in overcoming this challenge.
“Even if it’s your first time hearing the song from afar, there’s always that urge to dance,” explained Uncle Waffles. “I’ve recently seen people expressing how Amapiano music gives them a sense of connection to their ancestors.”Uncle Waffle believes dance speaks universally, beyond language barriers.
She achieved a historic moment in April 2022, becoming the first Amapiano DJ to perform on Coachella’s main stage in the US. This earned her a nomination for Best International Act at the 2023 BET Awards. By September, Uncle Waffles headlined a packed show at Brooklyn’s Avant Gardner, selling out the venue.
The DJ expanded her skills, becoming a producer and crafting her debut single, “Tanzania,” after three months of work. With over 12 million streams on Spotify, the track even made it into Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour. Over two years, she released three EPs.
“It’s tough releasing music due to criticism, but it was my best decision. Now, I’ve got multiplatinum hits,” she shared.
Uncle Waffles’ success blazes a trail for aspiring female DJs, proving dreams can thrive in male-dominated spaces.
“Your dreams count, even in male-dominated scenes,” she highlighted, showcasing a DJ’s ability to captivate a crowd.
“Being a DJ isn’t limiting. If you aim for a big stage, make space for that grand stage,” she emphasized.
Uncle Waffles’ Influence on Amapiano
The recognition from her singles and debut release led to the BET Awards nomination for Best International Act. Though Burna Boy won, attending the ceremony proved a career-changing opportunity for the Eswatini artist. She explained that as a DJ, it was surreal being there, surrounded by immense Black excellence she never imagined meeting.
“I teared up at the nomination and again at the awards. It was pure joy, just so happy.”
ASYLUM’s launch not only showcased Uncle Waffles’ Amapiano-inspired sounds but also brought attention to the evolving landscape within the South African main genre. Amapiano continues to evolve, propelled by artists such as herself, Lady Du, Mr JazziQ, and The Scorpion Kings, among others.
“People had certain expectations, and I wanted to break free from that,” she reveals. “Amapiano has various emerging subgenres, and I wanted to demonstrate my versatility within those new elements shaping the genre.”
After her nomination, and making history as the inaugural Amapiano artist to grace Coachella’s stage, Uncle Waffles capitalized on the buzz by unveiling her latest creation in August. Solace, a 7-track EP, stands apart from her debut, embracing a more serene and relaxed vibe. It not only demonstrates her versatility but also portrays her storytelling prowess.
“I envisioned Solace to represent the positive aspects of my journey, in contrast to ASYLUM, which encapsulated the chaotic parts,” Waffles shares.
She added,
“I wanted Solace to be the focal point, showcasing my gratitude and the immense joy I’ve found along this journey. I feel fortunate that this path chose me, allowing me to embrace my true self.”