From Unassuming Talent to International Icon: Waffle Uncle's Empowering Journey Shines a Spotlight on African Music
Feeling surreal, the 23-year-old sensation spoke to CNN following her September performance at Revolt World in Atlanta, Georgia.
With the help of social media, Uncle Waffles rapidly rose to fame as one of the most popular acts in Eppan music – a rapidly growing genre in Africa, recognized for its deep house sound that blends elements of Kwaito, jazz, and percussive basslines. She earned the nickname "Princess of Eppan," but felt uneasy about the title, viewing it as a shared responsibility.
"I'm the Princess of Eppan, but you are too," she explained. "I don't want people to feel that women need to compete with each other. We can coexist and truly shine together."
Hyperactive Child Becomes a Superstar
Born in Eswatini, a tiny country nestled between South Africa and Mozambique, Waffle Uncle, originally known as Lungelihle Zwane, was known for her vivacious energy.
"My mother always encouraged me to put on performances and do creative things," she recalled. "I was the biggest drama queen who wanted to play the lead role in every show."
Inspired by South African singers Lebo Mathosa and Chomee, the dynamic young woman was destined for the big stage.
Making Her Mark in Music Scene
Uncle Waffles made her entrance into the music industry in 2021, smack in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She spent nine months a day practicing, barely moving from her seat, and eventually falling in love with the process.
With newfound confidence, she adopted the stage name Uncle Waffle.
"In high school, they called me Waffles because of a Teen Titans song," she explained. "It was an inside joke that stuck with me for life. When I moved to Instagram after high school, they suggested Waffle Uncle."
Leaving her homeland of Swasiland for South Africa to promote her DJ services, Uncle Waffles ventured into the music industry with a set persona. Although she couldn't sing, she knew one day she'd be on stage.
Small Gigs and Breakthrough Moments
Uncle Waffles accepted countless small, unpaid gigs at first, but an opportunity in 2021 presented itself: she filled in for another DJ at a District 6 venue in Soweto, with no one knowing who Uncle Waffles was.
She stepped off the stage, joined the crowd, and realized she had just performed a killer set.
A viral video catapulted Waffle Uncle into stardom a day later, after she danced to Young Stunna's "Adiwele" during an Instagram live session. Drake reposted the video, skyrocketing her popularity.
"I had no idea this would completely change my life," she said. "I couldn't comprehend how, and then suddenly I was being booked internationally the next week."
The Universal Language of Dance
Making dance a crucial part of her performances, Waffles soon discovered that it helped break language barriers for the popularization of Eppan music. Although the lyrics may not be understood by everyone, people can still grasp the rhythm and meaning of the music through dance.
"Even if you don't understand the words, you can still feel the music and dance to it," she explained.
Coachella Performance and BET Award Nomination
Uncle Waffles made history by becoming the first Amapiano DJ to perform on the main stage of Coachella in the U.S. in April 2023. She was later nominated for "Best International Act" at the BET Awards.
In September, Uncle Waffles headlined and co-curated an sold-out show at the Avant Gardner in Brooklyn, New York.
Her single "Tanzania" reached 12 million streams on Spotify in just three months, and was featured during a dance break on Beyonce's Renaissance Tour.
The Impact of Uncle Waffles on the Music Industry
Uncle Waffles' impact on the music industry is far-reaching. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she has proven that women can not only stand on their own two feet but seize the opportunity for global success.
"It's completely possible for a woman to realize her dreams in this industry," she said confidently. "It's just a matter of finding the right platform and seizing the opportunity."
From modest beginnings in the Eppan music scene to becoming an icon of the industry, Uncle Waffles' journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians around the world.
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Despite not being initially recognized as a DJ, Waffle Uncle quickly found her footing in the music industry, where she continues to make waves and inspire others. Her meteoric rise to fame has also contributed to global recognition of African music.
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Enrichment Data (Integrated into Article)
While DJ Uncle Waffles is not explicitly referred to as a DJ within the sources provided, she more accurately can be identified as such. Her career has significantly pushed forward the global popularity of African music, specifically Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Eppan music.
- Waffle Uncle broke barriers for female artists in the African music scene by becoming the first female artist to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone Africa.
- She has empowered and supported women in the music industry through her "Girls Supporting Girls" initiative in Uganda.
- Waffle Uncle has influenced global recognition of African music by collaborating and performing with artists from different parts of the world, diversifying the music scene.
- She serves as a tremendous role model, inspiring young musicians, both male and female, to pursue their dreams in music.
Waffle Uncle may not be primarily recognized as a DJ, but her contributions to the music industry and promotion of female empowerment have made her an icon. Her impact has helped popularize African music on a global scale.
