Times Of Swaziland: SZA CHEERS UNCLE WAFFLES’ NEW YEAR MIX SZA CHEERS UNCLE WAFFLES’ NEW YEAR MIX ================================================================================ Mxolisi Dlamini on 06/01/2025 08:32:00 MBABANE – American songbird SZA has extended her admiration for Uncle Waffles’ Apple Music New Year’s Eve Mix. In a heartwarming gesture, SZA shared the complete mix of Uncle Waffles’ vibrant performance on her Instagram story, highlighting her support for the rising star from the kingdom. As the headliner of the show, Uncle Waffles’ recognition from a global icon like SZA underscores her phenomenal talent and the growing influence of Amapiano music on the international stage. Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter who initially gained prominence through her self-released EPs, ‘See.SZA.Run’ and ‘S’. These projects paved the way for her to become the first female artist to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), propelling her into the limelight. Born in Eswatini, Lungelihle Zwane, widely recognised as Uncle Waffles, first made waves with her official debut single ‘Tanzania’, followed by the success of her Extended Play (EP) ‘Red Dragon’. Known for her captivating dance moves and distinctive sound within the Amapiano genre, Uncle Waffles has been aptly dubbed the ‘Princess of Amapiano’ by Billboard. Her infectious energy and unique style have garnered the attention of some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Pharrell Williams, ASAP Ferg, Drake, Ciara and Missy Elliott. Uncle Waffles’ performances are not just a showcase of her musical talent, but also a celebration of her cultural roots, bringing Eswatini’s vibrant spirit to the forefront. Her ability to connect with audiences through her music and dance has created a dedicated fan base in the kingdom and beyond. Reinforces SZA’s shout-out is particularly significant as it reinforces the idea that local talents can achieve international recognition. The collaboration of artists across borders is increasingly prevalent in today’s music industry, and Uncle Waffles exemplifies this trend. Her rise is a testament to the power of hard work and the influence of digital platforms like Apple Music, which allow artists to reach a global audience. Moreover, this recognition could open doors for Uncle Waffles to collaborate with other international artists, further enhancing her profile and providing opportunities for local musicians. As more artists from Eswatini gain traction on global platforms, it could stimulate a music scene that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse talent. Captivate As the Amapiano genre continues to captivate listeners around the world, Uncle Waffles stands at the forefront of this movement, representing Eswatini with pride. With SZA’s endorsement, Uncle Waffles is poised to continue her ascent in the music world, inspiring a new generation of artists in Eswatini and contributing to the global music landscape.