Unbelievable Journey of DJ Waffle Uncle: Shining the Spotlight on African Music and Women's Empowerment
Feeling like she was in a dream, 23-year-old superstar Uncle Waffles chatted with CNN after her September gig at Revolt World in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thanks to her fiery social media presence, Uncle Waffles quickly rose to fame as one of the most popular acts in Eppan music – a rapidly growing genre in Africa, known for its deep house sound that blends Kwaito, jazz, and percussive basslines. She earned the title "Princess of Eppan," but she felt uncomfortable with the label, seeing it as a shared responsibility rather than a competition between women.
"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."
A Hyperactive Child Turned Global Phenom
Born in Eswatini, a tiny country sandwiched between South Africa and Mozambique, Waffle Uncle, originally known as Lungelihle Zwane, was known for her wild energy.
"My mother always encouraged me to perform and be creative," she reminisced. "I was the biggest drama queen who wanted to play the leading role in every show."
Inspired by South African singers Lebo Mathosa and Chomee, the vivacious young woman was destined for the big stage.
Unleashing Her Talent in the Music Scene
Uncle Waffles burst onto the music scene in 2021, right smack dab in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. She dedicated nine whole months to practicing, barely leaving her seat, and developed a passion for her craft.
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 started using Instagram after graduating, people suggested Waffle Uncle."
Swaziland to South Africa: Chasing Her Dreams
Leaving her homeland of Swaziland to grow her DJ services in South Africa, Uncle Waffles stepped bravely into the music industry with her distinctive personality. Although she wasn't a singer, she believed in her future on the stage.
Starting with countless small, unpaid gigs, she finally seized an opportunity in 2021 when she filled in for another DJ at a District 6 venue in Soweto. No one knew who Waffle Uncle was, but she shone on stage and even joined the crowd afterward to soak in the crowd's energy.
Catapulted to Stardom by a Viral Video
The following day, a viral video of her dancing to Young Stunna's "Adiwele" during an Instagram live session caught the attention of Drake, who reposted the clip, sending her popularity through the roof.
"I couldn't believe this was happening to me," she admitted. "I was in disbelief over how quickly everything changed."
Embracing the Universal Language of Dance
Waffle Uncle soon found that dance played an essential role in breaking language barriers and popularizing Eppan music. Even if listeners didn't understand the lyrics, they could still feel 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.
Making History at Coachella and Earning BET Award Nominations
Waffle Uncle became the first Amapiano DJ to perform on the Coachella main stage in April 2023. She was later nominated for "Best International Act" at the BET Awards.
In September, Waffle Uncle headlined and co-curated an sold-out show at the Avant Gardner in Brooklyn, New York. Her hit single "Tanzania" reached 12 million streams on Spotify in just three months and was featured during a dance break on Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour.
Waffle Uncle's Impact on the Music Industry
Through her incredible journey, Waffle Uncle has demonstrated that women can truly excel in the music industry. Her courage and determination have inspired countless aspiring musicians, both female and male.
"It's completely possible for a woman to realize her dreams in this industry," she affirmed. "It's just a matter of finding the right platform and seizing the opportunity."
From humble beginnings in the Eppan music scene to becoming a global icon, Waffle Uncle's story is one of resilience and determination.
Additional Insights
While DJ Uncle Waffles may not overtly identify as a DJ in the sources, she has significantly impacted the music scene as a leading Amapiano DJ. Her extraordinary achievements on the global stage and her ambitious approach to breaking language barriers have solidified her status as an influential figure in African music.
- Recognition in Rolling Stone Africa: She became the first female artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Africa, showcasing the global popularity of Amapiano and highlighting her emerging influence.
- Empowering Young Women: Through her "Girls Supporting Girls" initiative in Uganda, she has supported and empowered aspiring female musicians.
- Collaborative Spirit: Waffle Uncle advocates for the unity of artists and genres, believing that the creative scene should be a space where artists can collaborate and learn from one another.
- Global Recognition: Her prestigious "Woman of the Year" award at the GQ Men of the Year Awards further cemented her position as a trailblazing artist and a symbol of hope for aspiring musicians.
Waffle Uncle's journey has not only elevated her popularity but has also served as a testament to the growing influence of African music on the world stage. Her groundbreaking achievements have paved the way for a new generation of artists and underscore the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative music scene.
