Uncle Waffles
{{Short description|Swazi-born musician and DJ}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Use South African English|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Uncle Waffles
| image =
| caption = Uncle Waffles in 2024
| birth_name = Lungelihle Zwane
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|2000|03|30}}
| birth_place = Eswatini
| label = Kreativekornerr
| years_active = 2020–present
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- DJ
- record producer}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| background = person
}}
Lungelihle Zwane{{Cite web |last=Aklilu |first=Rahel |date=11 April 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles, Amapiano Princess, On Her Rise To DJ Superstardom |url=https://www.complex.com/music/uncle-waffles-amapiano-princess-interview |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=Complex |archive-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028053318/https://www.complex.com/music/uncle-waffles-amapiano-princess-interview |url-status=live }} (born 30 March 2000) known professionally as Uncle Waffles, is a Swazi DJ and record producer based in South Africa. She is noted for her work in the amapiano genre and her dance abilities,{{Cite web |last=Nikitta |first=Jazmine |date=21 November 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles is Flying The Flag for Amapiano |url=https://www.acclaimmag.com/music/uncle-waffles/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=Acclaim Magazine |language=en-us |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326194347/https://www.acclaimmag.com/music/uncle-waffles/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |date=28 December 2022 |title=The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2022 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-afropop-songs-of-2022-1234650065/uncle-waffles-x-tony-duardo-tanzania-feat-sino-msolo-boibizza-1234650178/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Wangeci |first=Tela; Mankaprr, Conteh; Makinde, Tami; Miya, Madzadza; Saraki, Seni |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326194346/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-afropop-songs-of-2022-1234650065/uncle-waffles-x-tony-duardo-tanzania-feat-sino-msolo-boibizza-1234650178/ |url-status=live }} with Billboard describing her as the "princess of amapiano".{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=31 March 2023 |title=Meet Uncle Waffles, the Artist Bringing the South African Amapiano Genre to Coachella |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/uncle-waffles-south-african-amapiano-coachella-interview-1235296038/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |magazine=Billboard}} Her debut single,"Tanzania", reached number one in South Africa, where it is certified 7× platinum.{{Cite web |last=Meara |first=Paul |date=7 September 2023 |title=Uncle Waffles Is An Amapiano Superstar Setting A Unique Tone and History in the Process |url=https://www.bet.com/article/cmd4io/uncle-waffles-unboxed-interview-eswatini-south-africa-echoes-solace |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=BET}}
Early life
Zwane was bornDoubt about her exact birthday was cleared up in 2025 with her own revelation reported by {{Cite web|author=David |date=30 March 2025 |title=Uncle Waffles’ Age Revealed on Her Birthday |publisher=iHarare |url=https://iharare.com/shes-grown-uncle-waffles-age-revealed-on-her-birthday/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/0eEnN?https://iharare.com/shes-grown-uncle-waffles-age-revealed-on-her-birthday/ |archive-date=30 March 2025 |url-status=live }}, formerly she was thought to be younger as reported in {{Cite web |last=Mphande |first=Joy |date=1 April 2022 |title=Good vibes and fun times — Inside Uncle Waffles' 22nd birthday party |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-04-01-snaps--good-vibes-and-fun-times--inside-uncle-waffles-22nd-birthday-party/ |website=TimesLIVE |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326185334/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-lincle-waffles-22nd-birthday-party/ |url-status=live }} and raised in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). She didn't know her parents and had been brought up by her grandma through her childhood years, until she reconciled with her mother as a teenager with whom she had a strained relationship thereafter.{{Cite web |last=Khalfe |first=Farah |date=25 March 2022 |title=5 things we love about DJ Uncle Waffles |url=https://www.glamour.co.za/celebrity-news/5-things-we-love-about-dj-uncle-waffles-255d7b4a-9b43-4253-82e0-f8e9ba7766aa |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=Glamour |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326204402/https://www.glamour.co.za/celebrity-news/5-things-we-love-about-dj-uncle-waffles-255d7b4a-9b43-4253-82e0-f8e9ba7766aa |url-status=live }} Zwane grew up listening to South African house and kwaito music from artists such as Black Coffee, Lebo Mathosa and DJ Kent. Before her success as a DJ, Zwane used to be a television presenter on Studio1 on Eswatini TV, but was replaced in January 2022 after parting from the show.{{Cite web |date=19 January 2022 |title=Nojali Replace Uncle Waffles On Studio 1 |url=https://www.africa-press.net/eswatini/all-news/nojali-replaces-uncle-waffles-on-studio-1 |access-date=29 March 2023 |website=africa-press.net |archive-date=29 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329172832/https://www.africa-press.net/eswatini/all-news/nojali-replaces-uncle-waffles-on-studio-1 |url-status=live }} It was here that she first was introduced to DJ'ing by a friend who also worked at the studio, as there was a fifteen-year old set of DJ decks there. She then emigrated to South Africa to attend university.{{Cite web |last=Ani |first=Ivie |date=7 March 2023 |title=Interview: Uncle Waffles to the World |url=https://audiomack.com/world/post/uncle-waffles-upnow-interview |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=Audiomack |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326202740/https://audiomack.com/world/post/uncle-waffles-upnow-interview |url-status=live }}
Career
Uncle Waffles learned how to DJ in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns,{{Cite web |last=Mphande |first=Joy |date=2 December 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles explains how she started DJ career |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-12-02-watch-uncle-waffles-explains-how-she-started-dj-career/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=TimesLIVE |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326185332/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-12-02-watch-uncle-waffles-explains-how-she-started-dj-career/ |url-status=live }} and claims to have practiced for eight hours each day. She signed with South African creative agency KreativeKornerr, who managed to book gigs for her in the country's "heavily saturated" music industry. After filling in for a withdrawn DJ at the Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto in October 2021, she gained prominence after a video of her dancing to the song "Adiwele" by Young Stunna during her set went viral.{{Cite web |last=Mkhazi |first=Loyiso |date=11 October 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles' rise to international stardom - from going viral in Soweto to sold out shows in Europe |url=https://www.snl24.com/truelove/celebrity/uncle-waffles-rise-to-international-stardom-from-going-viral-in-soweto-to-sold-out-shows-in-europe-20221011 |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=TrueLove |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326194357/https://www.snl24.com/truelove/celebrity/uncle-waffles-rise-to-international-stardom-from-going-viral-in-soweto-to-sold-out-shows-in-europe-20221011 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Komisa |first=Zuko |date=18 October 2021 |title=Drake follows Uncle Waffles as the 'People are burning' Adiwele video hits over 3 million views |url=https://www.kaya959.co.za/watch-drake-follows-uncle-waffles-as-the-people-are-burning-adiwele-video-hits-over-3-million-views/ |access-date=30 March 2023 |website=Kaya FM |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209210508/https://www.kaya959.co.za/watch-drake-follows-uncle-waffles-as-the-people-are-burning-adiwele-video-hits-over-3-million-views/ |url-status=live }} and would begin openly endorsing her on the platform.{{Cite web |last=Gaanakgomo |first=Constance |date=19 April 2022 |title=Drake sends fans into overdrive with Uncle Waffles post |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-04-19-tweeps-convinced-drake-is-into-uncle-waffles-after-another-co-sign-from-him/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=TimesLIVE |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226135519/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-04-19-tweeps-convinced-drake-is-into-uncle-waffles-after-another-co-sign-from-him/ |url-status=live }} Uncle Waffles soon ventured into music production,{{Cite web |last=Mkhabela |first=Sabelo |date=22 May 2022 |title=The rise and rise of the queens of amapiano |url=https://mg.co.za/friday/2022-05-22-the-rise-and-rise-of-the-queens-of-amapiano/ |access-date=30 March 2023 |website=The Mail & Guardian |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212054157/https://mg.co.za/friday/2022-05-22-the-rise-and-rise-of-the-queens-of-amapiano/ |url-status=live }} and released her debut single "Tanzania" in March 2022 in anticipation of her debut extended play (EP), Red Dragon, which was released later that month. The single, which had reportedly taken her three months to perfect, was ranked by Rolling Stone as the eighth best afropop song of 2022, with critics describing her as "a global ambassador for amapiano". In April 2022, Uncle Waffles embarked on her first-ever tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland.{{Cite web |last=Mphande |first=Joy |date=15 March 2022 |title=Fans rally behind Uncle Waffles after trolls drag her for UK DJ set |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-03-15-fans-rally-behind-uncle-waffles-after-trolls-drag-her-for-uk-dj-set/ |access-date=30 March 2023 |website=TimesLIVE |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204074432/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-03-15-fans-rally-behind-uncle-waffles-after-trolls-drag-her-for-uk-dj-set/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Darangwa |first=Shingai |date=8 March 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles sells out London venue on her UK debut |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/look-uncle-waffles-sells-out-london-venue-on-her-uk-debut-953cf18b-4c59-4cf1-b63b-fd84931e42d9 |access-date=30 March 2023 |website=iOL |archive-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508144648/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/look-uncle-waffles-sells-out-london-venue-on-her-uk-debut-953cf18b-4c59-4cf1-b63b-fd84931e42d9 |url-status=live }} The tour was closely interlinked with a series of shows organized by Piano People, which she headlined alongside DJ Maphorisa and Focalistic, and is deemed the first all-star amapiano tour in the region.
Uncle Waffles released her debut music video for the track "Tanzania" in September 2022.{{Cite web |last=de Wee |first=Naledi |date=29 September 2022 |title='Tanzania': Uncle Waffles receives high praise for first music video |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/uncle-waffles-tanzania-music-video-reactions-amapiano-29-september-2022-watch/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=The South African |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326195343/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/uncle-waffles-tanzania-music-video-reactions-amapiano-29-september-2022-watch/ |url-status=live }} In that same month, Uncle Waffles announced that she would be hosting a residency on BBC Radio 1.{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Venecia |date=1 September 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles announces her residency as a host and DJ on BBC Radio 1 |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/uncle-waffles-announces-her-residency-as-a-host-and-dj-on-bbc-radio-1-08018881-970f-4bd3-b3a8-e0e4b3799f89 |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=iOL |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327155023/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/uncle-waffles-announces-her-residency-as-a-host-and-dj-on-bbc-radio-1-08018881-970f-4bd3-b3a8-e0e4b3799f89 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Mphande |first=Joy |date=9 September 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles serves 'the freshest amapiano songs' in her debut on BBC |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-09-09-watch-uncle-waffles-serves-the-freshest-amapiano-songs-in-her-debut-on-bbc/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=TimesLIVE |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326185340/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-09-09-watch-uncle-waffles-serves-the-freshest-amapiano-songs-in-her-debut-on-bbc/ |url-status=live }} She was the only DJ that performed at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Accra.{{Cite web |last=Mphande |first=Joy |date=23 December 2022 |title='God, this year has been nothing but your work' — how DJ Waffles rose up and stayed up in 2022 |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-12-23-god-this-year-has-been-nothing-but-your-work--how-dj-waffles-rose-up-and-stayed-up-in-2022/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=TimesLIVE |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326185329/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2022-12-23-god-this-year-has-been-nothing-but-your-work--how-dj-waffles-rose-up-and-stayed-up-in-2022/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Keteyi |first=Oluthando |date=27 September 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles winds her waist at Global Citizen Festival: Accra |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/watch-uncle-waffles-winds-her-waist-at-global-citizen-festival-accra-bf0bf64e-3c88-4ddd-885a-22c120378cc1 |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=iOL |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326185328/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/watch-uncle-waffles-winds-her-waist-at-global-citizen-festival-accra-bf0bf64e-3c88-4ddd-885a-22c120378cc1 |url-status=live }} She partnered with KFC South Africa to launch an exclusive "Uncle Waffles burger" which was made available for purchase in local branches in December 2022,{{Cite web |last=Mthethwa |first=Thandeka |date=2 December 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles collaborates with KFC for a waffle burger |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/uncle-waffles-kfc-collaboration-waffle-burger-2-december-2022/ |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=The South African |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326195339/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/uncle-waffles-kfc-collaboration-waffle-burger-2-december-2022/ |url-status=live }} and later again in September 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/trending/uncle-waffles-now-serving-takeaways-20230903|title=Uncle Waffles now serving takeaways|first=Janice|last=Phiri|date=3 September 2023|accessdate=15 September 2023|publisher=City Press|website=News24}} She then embarked on a concert tour of the United States,{{Cite web |last=Darangwa |first=Shingai |date=7 November 2022 |title=Uncle Waffles set to embark on her first US tour |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/uncle-waffles-set-to-embark-on-her-first-us-tour-da064bd7-03ff-409a-ab46-7f868776ef93 |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=iOL |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326202740/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/uncle-waffles-set-to-embark-on-her-first-us-tour-da064bd7-03ff-409a-ab46-7f868776ef93 |url-status=live }} and then Australia. British publication Mixmag hailed Uncle Waffles as one of the top breakthrough DJs of the year 2022 worldwide.{{Cite web |last=Hinton, Patrick; Townsend, Megan; Ross, Gemma; Buckle, Becky; Muk |first=Issac |date=20 December 2022 |title=The 22 Top Breakthrough DJs Of The Year 2022 |url=https://mixmag.net/feature/breakthrough-djs-best-top-defined-the-year-2022 |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=Mixmag |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326202742/https://mixmag.net/feature/breakthrough-djs-best-top-defined-the-year-2022 |url-status=live }} Streaming platform Audiomack also hailed her as an "#UpNow" artist in March 2023.{{Cite web |last=Cowen |first=Trace William |date=7 March 2023 |title=Uncle Waffles Honored as Audiomack's Latest #UpNow Artist |url=https://www.complex.com/music/uncle-waffles-audiomack-up-now-artist-new-track-khumbula |access-date=26 March 2023 |website=Complex |archive-date=15 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315024518/https://www.complex.com/music/uncle-waffles-audiomack-up-now-artist-new-track-khumbula |url-status=live }} Uncle Waffles' second EP, Asylum, was released in March 2023 and featured the track "Yahyuppiyah",{{Cite web |last=Keteyi |first=Oluthando |date=27 March 2023 |title='Welcome to the Asylum': Uncle Waffles announces her second project |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/welcome-to-the-asylum-uncle-waffles-announces-her-second-project-a3e061da-5f7e-4354-866b-8288b5be6ff5 |access-date=27 March 2023 |website=iOL |archive-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327141857/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/welcome-to-the-asylum-uncle-waffles-announces-her-second-project-a3e061da-5f7e-4354-866b-8288b5be6ff5 |url-status=live }} which had been released as the first single from the project. The EP was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) within one week of its release.{{Cite web |last=Jabulani |first=John |date=14 April 2023 |title=Uncle Waffles' 'Asylum' Attains Gold Status |url=https://www.ubetoo.com/news/uncle-waffles-asylum-attains-gold-status/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=Ubetoo |language=en-US}} In April 2023, she became the first amapiano musician to ever perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.{{Cite web |last=Zuma |first=Mbalenhle |date=19 April 2023 |title=Uncle Waffles stuns as first amapiano DJ at Coachella |url=https://sundayworld.co.za/shwashwi/celebrity-news/uncle-waffles-stuns-as-first-amapiano-dj-at-coachella/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=Sunday World}} Her song "Tanzania" was sampled by American singer Beyoncé in a dance break on the Renaissance World Tour setlist, to which Uncle Waffles reacted with the statement "I'm crying, wow," on Instagram.{{Cite web |last=Seleme |first=Rae |date=11 May 2023 |title=Renaissance Tour: Beyoncé plays Uncle Waffles 'Tanzania' |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/breaking-renaissance-tour-beyonce-plays-amapiano-uncle-waffles-tanzania-11-may-2023/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=The South African}} She was nominated for Best International Act at the 2023 BET Awards. Uncle Waffles released the EP Solace (2023) as the follow-up to Asylum in what she called a double-sided project titled, "An Asylum of Solace".{{Cite web |last=Gaanakgomo |first=Constance |date=8 August 2023 |title=Gratitude & reflections — Inside Uncle Waffles' latest project 'An Asylum of Solace' |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2023-08-03-gratitude--reflections--inside-uncle-waffles-latest-project-an-asylum-of-solace/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=TimesLIVE}}{{Cite web |last=Esomnofu |first=Emmanuel |title=Uncle Waffles Is Bringing Amapiano to the World |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/uncle-waffles-amapiano-solace-interview/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=Okayplayer}}{{Cite web |last=Ontong |first=Joel |date=11 August 2023 |title=REVIEW {{!}} Instrumentally rich sound, soothing melodies: Uncle Waffles shows her softer side with Solace |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/music/review-instrumentally-rich-sound-soothing-melodies-uncle-waffles-shows-her-softer-side-with-solace-20230811 |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=News24}} It was supported by the single "Echoes", featuring Tony Duardo, which was released on 4 August 2023.{{Cite web |last=Darangwa |first=Shingai |date=4 August 2023 |title=Uncle Waffles showcases her musical depth with new single 'Echoes' |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/uncle-waffles-showcases-her-musical-depth-with-new-single-echoes-154a79e5-6336-4048-bbfb-1b3fd82d646f |access-date=15 September 2023 |website=iOL}}
Her single "Wadibusa" featuring OHP Sage, Pcee & Djy Bizana was released on 17 April 2024. It peaked at No. 4 on the Local Top 100 and No. 11 International Top 200 respectively.{{cite web|url=https://theofficialsacharts.co.za/youth-month-spotlight-uncle-waffles-wadibusa-on-the-charts-ed-139/|title=Youth Month Spotlight: Uncle Waffles "Wadibusa" on the charts|access-date=2024-06-17|work=theofficialsacharts}}
Waffles will embark on her upcoming Less Talk, More Piano Tour, to commence from June 2, 2024, We Love Green, Paris until November 29, Asia.{{cite web|title=Uncle Waffles Reveals Dates For Upcoming World Tour 'Less Talk More Piano' {{!}} Slikouronlife |url=https://slikouronlife.co.za/blog/26781/uncle-waffles-reveals-dates-for-upcoming-world-tour-less-talk-more-piano|work=Slikouronlife|access-date=2024-06-01|first=Atlehang|last=Moloi|date=2024-05-31}}
Discography
= Extended plays =
= Singles =
= Other charted songs =
Tours
As a headliner
- Less Talk, More Piano Tour (2024)
Awards and nominations
References
{{reflist}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Uncle Waffles}}
Category:Swazi expatriates in South Africa