WAFFLES TRAILBLAZING JOURNEY IN MUSIC INDUSTRY

In the ever-evolving world of music and fashion, few names have risen as swiftly and powerfully as Uncle Waffles. Born Lungelihle Zwane, the Eswatini DJ and entertainer has shattered glass ceilings, transcended borders and brought the sound of Amapiano to the global stage. From becoming the first woman in the southern African region to be featured in Forbes Magazine to headlining Coachella, Uncle Waffles has achieved what many only dream of. Her story is one of passion, resilience and an unwavering dedication to her craft. Uncle Waffles’ journey in the music industry began like many others, with a love for music and a desire to share it with the world. What started as a hobby during the Covid-19 lock down, she managed to turn it into turned a popping career after her set in a South African local club quickly gained traction.

Attention

A viral video of her performing electrified the internet in 2021. Her infectious energy, magnetic stage presence and undeniable talent caught the attention of millions, including one of the world’s biggest artists: Drake. Drake’s public co-sign of Uncle Waffles on Instagram in 2022 was more than just a moment of recognition; it was a pivotal turning point in her career. The Canadian rapper not only praised her artistry, but also opened doors for her to gain global visibility.

Overnight, Uncle Waffles became a household name and the world was ready to embrace her unique sound and style. Fast forward to 2025, Uncle Waffles has etched her name into history as the first woman in the southern African region to be featured in Forbes Magazine. The feature celebrated her as a pioneer and cultural ambassador for Amapiano, a genre that originated in South Africa and has since taken the world by storm. Her inclusion in Forbes is a testament to her influence not just in music but also in entrepreneurship and cultural representation.

Success

But Uncle Waffles’ success isn’t just about her music — it’s her style too. Her appearance on the cover of GQ Magazine as the Stylish DJ marked yet another milestone. Known for her bold outfit choices, striking confidence and ability to effortlessly blend street wear with high fashion, Uncle Waffles has solidified herself as a global style icon. The GQ cover wasn’t just about her fashion sense; it symbolised her ability to stay true to her roots while embracing international acclaim. One of the most remarkable aspects of Uncle Waffles’ career is the support she’s received from global superstars. Drake’s co-sign was undoubtedly monumental, but in late 2024, another major moment highlighted her growing influence: SZA uploaded Uncle Waffles’ entire New Year’s Eve playlist mix on her social media.

This move spotlighted Uncle Waffles’ talent as a DJ and curator, amplifying her artistry to millions of SZA’s fans. The mix was celebrated for its flawless transitions, vibrant energy and perfect fusion of Amapiano with other genres. These co-signs demonstrate Uncle Waffles’ ability to transcend boundaries and appeal to diverse audiences. Her music isn’t just for South Africa or Africa, it’s for the world. By staying true to her roots while embracing global trends, Uncle Waffles has created a sound that resonates universally.

Exception

Fashion and music have always gone hand-in-hand, and Uncle Waffles is no exception. Her ability to merge artistry with fashion took the world by storm when Vogue recently included her name for their best looks of the week. From her daring Coachella outfits to her meticulously styled red carpet appearances, Uncle Waffles has become a muse for designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Her style is fearless, unapologetic  and deeply representative of her identity. Whether she’s donning African-inspired prints or cutting-edge couture, Uncle Waffles uses fashion as a tool to tell her story.  The princess of Amapiano has achieved what many artists can only dream of: Headlining Coachella, one of the most prestigious music festivals in the world. This achievement was not just a personal victory, but a monumental moment for Amapiano as a genre. Her performance was electrifying, with fans from all over the world dancing to the pulsating beats of Amapiano under the California sun.

Celebration

Uncle Waffles’ Coachella set was a celebration of African music and culture. From the choreography to the visuals, every element of her performance was a love letter to her roots. The crowd’s reaction was nothing short of euphoric, and her set became one of the most talked-about moments of the festival. As if her achievements weren’t impressive enough, Uncle Waffles’ music video for her hit single recently surpassed five million views on YouTube. Released in late 2024, the video is a visual masterpiece that combines stunning cinematography with the vibrant energy of her music. The success of the video is a testament to her growing fanbase and the universal appeal of her sound. The video’s success also highlights Uncle Waffles’ evolution as an artist. While she initially gained fame as a DJ, she has seamlessly transitioned into a musician and performer. Her ability to excel in multiple areas of the industry sets her apart and ensures her longevity in the ever-changing music world.

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