Uncle Waffles
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Uncle Waffles Biography
Lungelihle Zwane (born 30 March 2000), professionally known as Uncle Waffles, is a Swazi DJ and record producer based in South Africa. Revered as the "Princess of Amapiano," she rose to international prominence with her debut single "Tanzania," which reached number one in South Africa and achieved seven-times platinum certification. Her unique blend of infectious beats and captivating performances has made her a global ambassador for the amapiano genre.
| Full Name | Lungelihle Zwane |
| Stage Name | Uncle Waffles |
| Date of Birth | 30 March 2000 |
| Nationality | Swazi |
| Profession | DJ, Record Producer |
| Known For | "Princess of Amapiano", Debut Single "Tanzania" |
| Notable Achievements | Seven-times Platinum Certification, First Amapiano Artist at Coachella |
| Active Since | 2020 |
Early Life
Born and raised in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lungelihle Zwane experienced a challenging childhood, having been raised by her grandmother after not knowing her parents. She later reconciled with her mother during her teenage years, though their relationship remained strained. Growing up, she was deeply influenced by South African house and kwaito music, drawing inspiration from artists like Black Coffee, Lebo Mathosa, and DJ Kent. Before embarking on her music career, Zwane worked as a television presenter on Studio1 on Eswatini TV, where she was introduced to DJ'ing by a friend. Seeking further opportunities, she emigrated to South Africa to attend university.
Career
Uncle Waffles began learning to DJ in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns, dedicating up to eight hours daily to mastering her craft. She signed with the South African creative agency KreativeKornerr, which helped her secure gigs in a highly competitive music scene. Her breakthrough came in October 2021 when she filled in for a withdrawn DJ at the Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto. A viral video of her dancing to Young Stunna's "Adiwele" during her set catapulted her into the spotlight.
In March 2022, she released her debut single "Tanzania," a track that took three months to perfect and was later ranked by Rolling Stone as the eighth best afropop song of the year. This release was followed by her debut EP, Red Dragon. Uncle Waffles quickly became recognized as a global ambassador for amapiano music. Her first UK and Ireland tour in April 2022 was part of the pioneering all-star amapiano tour organized by Piano People, where she performed alongside DJ Maphorisa and Focalistic.
September 2022 marked the release of the official music video for "Tanzania" and the announcement of her residency on BBC Radio 1. She was the sole DJ to perform at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Accra. Additionally, she partnered with KFC South Africa to launch the exclusive "Uncle Waffles burger," available in December 2022 and again in September 2023. Her international presence expanded with concert tours across the United States and Australia.
In 2023, Uncle Waffles released her second EP, Asylum, featuring the single "Yahyuppiyah." The EP was certified gold within a week by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). She made history as the first amapiano artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2023. Her track "Tanzania" was sampled by Beyoncé during the Renaissance World Tour, an honor that deeply moved her. That same year, she was nominated for Best International Act at the BET Awards. Later in 2023, she released the EP Solace, completing a double-sided project titled "An Asylum of Solace," supported by the single "Echoes" featuring Tony Duardo.
Her latest single, "Wadibusa," featuring OHP Sage, Pcee, and Djy Bizana, was released in April 2024 and achieved impressive chart positions, peaking at No. 4 on the Local Top 100 and No. 11 on the International Top 200. Uncle Waffles is set to embark on her upcoming Less Talk, More Piano Tour, starting June 2, 2024, in Paris and continuing through Asia until November 29.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Uncle Waffles originally from?
A: She is from Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).
Q: How did Uncle Waffles start her DJ career?
A: She learned to DJ during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, practicing for eight hours daily, and was introduced to DJ'ing while working at Eswatini TV.
Q: What is Uncle Waffles' most famous single?
A: Her debut single "Tanzania" is her most famous track, reaching number one in South Africa and achieving seven-times platinum certification.
Q: Has Uncle Waffles performed at any major international festivals?
A: Yes, she was the first amapiano artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2023.
Q: What notable collaborations or endorsements has she had?
A: She partnered with KFC South Africa to launch the "Uncle Waffles burger" and has been recognized by major platforms like BBC Radio 1 and Audiomack.
Conclusion
Uncle Waffles has rapidly ascended from a novice DJ during lockdown to an international amapiano sensation. Her dedication, unique style, and infectious energy have not only earned her critical acclaim and commercial success but have also helped elevate amapiano music on the global stage. As she continues to innovate and expand her reach with new music and tours, Uncle Waffles remains a defining figure in contemporary African music and a beacon for aspiring artists worldwide.
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