Amapiano’s Rising Global Star
Uncle Waffles has become one of the most recognizable names in global dance music. The Eswatini-born DJ and producer is celebrated not only for her amapiano sets but also for how she transforms them into full experiences.
Her impact spans continents. In 2023, she became the first amapiano artist to perform at Coachella. A year later, she made history again as the first Black woman to headline The Brooklyn Mirage in New York. Since then, her career has exploded. From Paris Fashion Week to Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton show, her presence is now a fixture on global stages.
Yet despite all this success, Uncle Waffles admits there is one dream that still scares her—collaborating with Beyoncé.
Big Dreams and Scary Goals
The 25-year-old DJ has checked off milestone after milestone from her manifestation list. Times Square billboards, Adidas’ global “Superstar” campaign, a remix with Joey Bada$$, and BET nominations have all come true.
But when it comes to an album, she hesitates. “Albums are so impactful, so important. People have debut albums, and [it] changes their lives. I need to make sure mine is amazing,” she shared.
The Beyoncé collaboration also remains at the top of her wish list. “Yeah, I’m pushing it. I know. I know,” she said with a laugh, but her ambition is clear.
Building a Legacy Beyond Music
For Uncle Waffles, dreams go beyond the stage. One of her biggest personal goals is to build her own home. “As someone who’s never stayed in a home that was ours growing up… having something that’s mine is gonna be a huge thing,” she revealed. She plans to make it in South Africa, the country she now calls home.
This balance of professional ambition and personal healing has made her one of the most relatable stars in music today. Her story reflects not just success, but resilience and vision.
From Eswatini Roots to Global Recognition
Born Lungelihle Zwane, Uncle Waffles discovered DJ decks at a local TV station in Eswatini. She taught herself to mix during the pandemic, often practicing for hours daily. A last-minute booking in 2021, combined with a viral Instagram video, changed everything overnight.
She quickly rose to become a cultural ambassador for amapiano, a genre blending house beats with piano-led jazz influences. While DJs like DBN Gogo paved the way, Waffles has brought a new level of visibility. Her performances emphasize movement, proving that dance can bridge language barriers worldwide.
The Power of Dance and Collaboration
Uncle Waffles believes dance is central to amapiano’s magic. “Even if the song sounds like gibberish they know that move and that’s what matters,” she explained. This universal connection keeps her grounded and close to her audiences, no matter the location.
She credits choreographer Lee-ché Janecke, who also works with Tyla, for helping shape her stage presence. Together, they’ve built a style that balances DJing and performance seamlessly.
What’s Next for Uncle Waffles
Though fans eagerly await her debut album, she says she isn’t ready yet. “This year has been a very taxing year in terms of performances and festivals. But I’m releasing a project this year,” she teased. For now, another EP is on the way.
Uncle Waffles isn’t just spinning tracks—she is redefining what global stardom looks like for young African women. From Coachella to Paris Fashion Week, her journey is proof that dreams can be both terrifying and transformative.
