Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles in 2022
Uncle Waffles in 2022
Background information
Birth nameLungelihle Zwane[1]
Born (2000-03-30) 30 March 2000[2]
Eswatini
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • DJ
  • record producer
Years active2020–present
LabelsKreativekornerr

Lungelihle Zwane[1] (born 30 March 2000),[2] known professionally as Uncle Waffles, is a Swazi-born DJ and record producer based in South Africa.[3] She is noted for her work in the amapiano genre and her dance abilities,[4][5] with Billboard describing her as the "princess of amapiano".[6] Her debut single, "Tanzania", reached number one in South Africa,[7] where it is certified 7x platinum.[8]

Early life

Zwane was born and raised in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).[3] 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.[9] Zwane grew up listening to South African house and kwaito music from artists such as Black Coffee, Lebo Mathosa and DJ Kent.[6] 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..[1][10] It was here that she first was introduced to DJ'ing by friend who also worked at the studio, as there was a fifteen-year old set of DJ decks there.[6] She then emigrated to South Africa to attend university.[3]

Career

Uncle Waffles learned how to DJ in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns,[11][12] and claims to have practiced for eight hours each day.[6] She signed with South African creative agency KreativeKornerr, who managed to book gigs for her in the country's "heavily saturated" music industry.[6] After filling in for a withdrawn DJ at the Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto in October 2021, she gained prominence after a video of her dancing to the song "Adiwele" by Young Stunna during her set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.[6][13][1][14] and would begin openly endorsing her on the platform.[15] Uncle Waffles soon ventured into music production,[16] 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.[17] The single, which had reportedly taken her three months to perfect,[6] was ranked by Rolling Stone as the eighth best afropop song of 2022, with critics describing her as "a global ambassador for amapiano".[5] In April 2022, Uncle Waffles embarked on her first-ever tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland.[18][19] 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.[1]

Uncle Waffles released her debut music video for the track "Tanzania" in September 2022.[20] In that same month, Uncle Waffles announced that she would be hosting a residency on BBC Radio 1.[21][22] She was the only DJ that performed at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Accra.[11][23] 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,[24] and later again in September 2023.[25] She then embarked on a concert tour of the United States,[26] and then Australia.[4] British publication Mixmag hailed Uncle Waffles as one of the top breakthrough DJs of the year 2022 worldwide.[27] Streaming platform Audiomack also hailed her as an "#UpNow" artist in March 2023.[28] Uncle Waffles' second EP, Asylum, was released in March 2023 and featured the track "Yahyuppiyah",[29] which had been released as the first single from the project.[30] The EP was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) within one week of its release.[31] In April 2023, she became the first amapiano musician to ever perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.[6][32] 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.[33] She was nominated for Best International Act at the 2023 BET Awards.[34] 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".[35][36][37] It was supported by the single "Echoes", featuring Tony Duardo, which was released on 4 August 2023.[38]

Discography

Extended plays

Title Album details Certifications
Red Dragon[39]
Asylum[29]
  • Released: 31 March 2023
  • Label: Kreativekornerr
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
Solace[40]
  • Released: 11 August 2023
  • Label: Kreativekornerr
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
SA
[7]
"Tanzania"
(featuring Tony Duardo, Sino Msolo and BoiBizza)[17]		 2022 1 Red Dragon
"Yahyuppiyah"
(Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo and Justin 99 featuring Pcee, Eeque and Chley)[30]		 2023 5
  • RISA: 4x Platinum[8]
 Asylum
"Echoes"
(featuring Tony Duardo, Manana and Lusanda)[38]		 – Solace
"Peacock (Revisit)"
(featuring Ice Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather)[41]		 3

Other charted songs

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
SA
[42]
"Hayi"
(Felo Le Tee featuring Uncle Waffles)[43]		 2022 23 Contagious

Awards and nominations

Year Organization Award Recipient or nominee Result Ref.
2022 All Africa Music Awards Best African DJ Herself Nominated [44]
Best Female Artist in Southern Africa Nominated
2022 African Muzik Magazine Awards Best DJ Africa Won [45]
2023 Song of the Year "Tanzania" Pending [46]
2023 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival African DJ of the Year Herself Nominated [47]
2023 BET Awards Best International Act Nominated [34]
2023 Headies Awards Best Southern African Artist of the Year Nominated [48]
2023 GQ Men of the Year Awards (SA) Woman of the Year Won [49]
2023 MOBO Awards Best African Music Act Pending [50]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Aklilu, Rahel (11 April 2022). "Uncle Waffles, Amapiano Princess, On Her Rise To DJ Superstardom". Complex. Archived from the original on 28 October 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  2. 1 2 Mphande, Joy (1 April 2022). "Good vibes and fun times — Inside Uncle Waffles' 22nd birthday party". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Ani, Ivie (7 March 2023). "Interview: Uncle Waffles to the World". Audiomack. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  4. 1 2 Nikitta, Jazmine (21 November 2022). "Uncle Waffles is Flying The Flag for Amapiano". Acclaim Magazine. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  5. 1 2 Wangeci, Tela; Mankaprr, Conteh; Makinde, Tami; Miya, Madzadza; Saraki, Seni (28 December 2022). "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2022". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mamo, Heran (31 March 2023). "Meet Uncle Waffles, the Artist Bringing the South African Amapiano Genre to Coachella". Billboard. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  7. 1 2 Peaks on The Official South African Charts:
  8. 1 2 3 Meara, Paul (7 September 2023). "Uncle Waffles Is An Amapiano Superstar Setting A Unique Tone and History in the Process". BET. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  9. ↑ Khalfe, Farah (25 March 2022). "5 things we love about DJ Uncle Waffles". Glamour. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  10. ↑ "Nojali Replace Uncle Waffles On Studio 1". africa-press.net. 19 January 2022. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  11. 1 2 Mphande, Joy (23 December 2022). "'God, this year has been nothing but your work' — how DJ Waffles rose up and stayed up in 2022". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  12. ↑ Mphande, Joy (2 December 2022). "Uncle Waffles explains how she started DJ career". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  13. ↑ Mkhazi, Loyiso (11 October 2022). "Uncle Waffles' rise to international stardom - from going viral in Soweto to sold out shows in Europe". TrueLove. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  14. ↑ Komisa, Zuko (18 October 2021). "Drake follows Uncle Waffles as the 'People are burning' Adiwele video hits over 3 million views". Kaya FM. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  15. ↑ Gaanakgomo, Constance (19 April 2022). "Drake sends fans into overdrive with Uncle Waffles post". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  16. ↑ Mkhabela, Sabelo (22 May 2022). "The rise and rise of the queens of amapiano". The Mail & Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  17. 1 2 Osikoya, Wonu (18 March 2022). "Uncle Waffles Shares Her Debut Single "Tanzania"; Announces New EP". The Native. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  18. ↑ Mphande, Joy (15 March 2022). "Fans rally behind Uncle Waffles after trolls drag her for UK DJ set". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  19. ↑ Darangwa, Shingai (8 March 2022). "Uncle Waffles sells out London venue on her UK debut". iOL. Archived from the original on 8 May 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  20. ↑ de Wee, Naledi (29 September 2022). "'Tanzania': Uncle Waffles receives high praise for first music video". The South African. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  21. ↑ Valentine, Venecia (1 September 2022). "Uncle Waffles announces her residency as a host and DJ on BBC Radio 1". iOL. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  22. ↑ Mphande, Joy (9 September 2022). "Uncle Waffles serves 'the freshest amapiano songs' in her debut on BBC". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  23. ↑ Keteyi, Oluthando (27 September 2022). "Uncle Waffles winds her waist at Global Citizen Festival: Accra". iOL. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  24. ↑ Mthethwa, Thandeka (2 December 2022). "Uncle Waffles collaborates with KFC for a waffle burger". The South African. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  25. ↑ Phiri, Janice (3 September 2023). "Uncle Waffles now serving takeaways". News24. City Press. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  26. ↑ Darangwa, Shingai (7 November 2022). "Uncle Waffles set to embark on her first US tour". iOL. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  27. ↑ Hinton, Patrick; Townsend, Megan; Ross, Gemma; Buckle, Becky; Muk, Issac (20 December 2022). "The 22 Top Breakthrough DJs Of The Year 2022". Mixmag. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  28. ↑ Cowen, Trace William (7 March 2023). "Uncle Waffles Honored as Audiomack's Latest #UpNow Artist". Complex. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  29. 1 2 Keteyi, Oluthando (27 March 2023). "'Welcome to the Asylum': Uncle Waffles announces her second project". iOL. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  30. 1 2 "Yahyuppiyah (feat. Pcee, Eeque, Chley) - Single by Uncle Waffles". Apple Music (ZA). Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  31. 1 2 Jabulani, John (14 April 2023). "Uncle Waffles' 'Asylum' Attains Gold Status". Ubetoo. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  32. ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (19 April 2023). "Uncle Waffles stuns as first amapiano DJ at Coachella". Sunday World. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  33. ↑ Seleme, Rae (11 May 2023). "Renaissance Tour: Beyoncé plays Uncle Waffles 'Tanzania'". The South African. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  34. 1 2 Rouhani, Neena (8 June 2023). "GloRilla & Drake Lead 2023 BET Awards Nominations". Billboard. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  35. ↑ Gaanakgomo, Constance (8 August 2023). "Gratitude & reflections — Inside Uncle Waffles' latest project 'An Asylum of Solace'". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  36. ↑ Esomnofu, Emmanuel. "Uncle Waffles Is Bringing Amapiano to the World". Okayplayer. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  37. ↑ Ontong, Joel (11 August 2023). "REVIEW | Instrumentally rich sound, soothing melodies: Uncle Waffles shows her softer side with Solace". News24. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  38. 1 2 Darangwa, Shingai (4 August 2023). "Uncle Waffles showcases her musical depth with new single 'Echoes'". iOL. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  39. ↑ "Red Dragon - EP by Uncle Waffles". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  40. ↑ Okusanya, Emanuel (11 August 2023). "Drake-Cosigned South African DJ Uncle Waffles Talks New Solace EP and Bringing Ampiano Music to the World". Variety. Penske Media Corporation.
  41. ↑ Shingai, Darangwa (26 September 2023). "Uncle Waffles sells out her first international headline show in New York". iOL. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  42. ↑ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100: Week 22". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  43. ↑ "Contagious - Album by Felo Le Tee". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  44. ↑ Yongo, Sughnen (23 January 2023). "Here Are All the Winners at the AFRIMA Awards". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  45. ↑ Mphande, Joy (25 November 2022). "Master KG walks away as 'Best Male in Southern Africa' at Afrimma 2022". TimesLIVE. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  46. ↑ Lambley, Garrin (11 August 2023). "AKA and Costa Titch nominated for African Muzik Magazine Awards". The South African. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  47. ↑ Maako, Keitumetse (16 February 2023). "DJ Maphorisa wins best African DJ at Nigerian awards festival". News24. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  48. ↑ Grein, Paul (4 September 2023). "Rema, Burna Boy Top 2023 Headies Awards: Full Winners List". Billboard. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  49. ↑ Birjalal, Alyssia (4 December 2023). "Uncle Waffles, MacG and Mafikizolo emerge victorious at 2023 GQ Men of the Year awards". iOL. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  50. ↑ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (14 December 2023). "Little Simz and Stormzy top 2024 Mobo award nominations". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
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