Lungelihle Zwane, professionally known as Uncle Waffles, was born on March 30, 2000, in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Raised by her grandmother until her teenage years, she later reunited with her mother, navigating a challenging relationship thereafter.
Uncle Waffles
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Lungelihle Zwane |
| Born | 30 March 2000 Eswatini |
| Genres |
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| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2020–present |
| Labels | Kreativekornerr |
Early Life
Growing up in Eswatini, Zwane was immersed in the vibrant sounds of South African house and kwaito music, drawing inspiration from artists like Black Coffee, Lebo Mathosa, and DJ Kent.
Uncle Waffles began her career as a television presenter on Studio1 on Eswatini TV before transitioning to pursue her passion for music. Learning to DJ during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, she dedicated herself to mastering the craft, practicing tirelessly for eight hours each day. With her infectious energy and dynamic talent, she quickly caught the attention of audiences and industry insiders alike.
Signing with South African creative agency KreativeKornerr, Uncle Waffles burst onto the music scene, gaining widespread recognition after a viral video of her dancing to “Adiwele” by Young Stunna at Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto. This pivotal moment propelled her into the spotlight, leading to opportunities in both DJing and music production.
Musical Journey
Her debut single, “Tanzania,” released in March 2022, soared to the top of the charts in South Africa, earning her critical acclaim and commercial success. With her distinctive sound and electrifying performances, Uncle Waffles became synonymous with the amapiano genre, earning her the title of “princess of amapiano.”
Subsequent releases, including her EPs “Red Dragon” and “Asylum,” further solidified her status as a leading figure in the global music scene. Her track “Yahyuppiyah” and collaboration with Tony Duardo on “Echoes” showcased her versatility and innovation, garnering widespread praise and recognition.
Global Impact
Uncle Waffles’ influence transcended borders, as evidenced by her international tours, collaborations, and accolades. From headlining shows in the United Kingdom and Ireland to performing at prestigious festivals like Coachella, she captivated audiences worldwide with her electrifying performances and infectious beats.
Her contributions to the music industry have not gone unnoticed, with nominations for prestigious awards such as the BET Awards and MOBO Awards, solidifying her position as one of the most exciting and influential artists of her generation.
Songs
Here are some of Uncle Waffles’ notable songs:
- “Tanzania” – This debut single catapulted Uncle Waffles to stardom, topping the charts in South Africa and achieving 7x platinum certification. It showcases her signature amapiano sound and infectious energy.
- “Yahyuppiyah” – Another standout track from Uncle Waffles, featuring Tony Duardo and Justin 99, this song exemplifies her ability to create catchy melodies and captivating beats. It reached the top positions on charts and earned platinum certification.
- “Echoes” (featuring Tony Duardo, Manana, and Lusanda) – This track from her EP “Asylum” demonstrates Uncle Waffles’ versatility as a producer and collaborator. With its infectious rhythm and soulful vocals, “Echoes” captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim.
- “Peacock (Revisit)” (featuring Ice Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather) – A collaboration that highlights Uncle Waffles’ ability to blend different musical styles, “Peacock (Revisit)” is a high-energy track that showcases her unique sound and creative vision.
- “Hayi” – A collaboration with Felo Le Tee, “Hayi” is a vibrant and energetic track that fuses elements of amapiano with infectious beats and catchy melodies. It was well-received by fans and critics alike, earning a spot on the charts.
Legacy
As Uncle Waffles continues to push boundaries and break barriers, her legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry only continues to grow. With her unwavering passion, dedication, and creativity, she has redefined the amapiano genre and inspired a new generation of artists to follow in her footsteps.
As she embarks on new projects and ventures, Uncle Waffles remains committed to pushing the boundaries of her artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape for years to come. With her infectious energy and unmistakable talent, she is poised to shape the future of music and cement her status as a true icon of our time.
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