Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles | |
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![]() Uncle Waffles in 2024 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Lungelihle Zwane[1] |
Born | [2] Eswatini | 30 March 2000
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2020–present |
Labels | Kreativekornerr |
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who managed to book gigs for her in the country's "heavily saturated" music industry.[6] After filling in for a withdrawn DJ at the Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto in October 2021, she gained prominence after a video of her dancing to the song "Adiwele" by Young Stunna during her set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]
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.[39]
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.[40]
Discography
Extended plays
Title | Album details | Certifications |
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Red Dragon[41] |
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Asylum[29] |
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Solace[42] |
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Singles
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
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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 |
|
Asylum |
"Echoes" (featuring Tony Duardo, Manana and Lusanda)[38] |
– | Solace | ||
"Peacock (Revisit)" (featuring Ice Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather)[43] |
3 | |||
"Wadibusa" (with Royal MusiQ featuring OHP Sage, Pcee, & Djy Biza)[44] |
2024 | 7 | TBA |
Other charted songs
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
---|---|---|---|
SA [45] | |||
"Hayi" (Felo Le Tee featuring Uncle Waffles)[46] |
2022 | 23 | Contagious |
Tours
As a headliner
- Less Talk, More Piano Tour (2024)
Awards and nominations
Year | Organization | Award | Recipient or nominee | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | All Africa Music Awards | Best African DJ | Herself | Nominated | [47] |
Best Female Artist in Southern Africa | Nominated | ||||
2022 | African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best DJ Africa | Won | [48] | |
2023 | Song of the Year | "Tanzania" | Pending | [49] | |
2023 | Soundcity MVP Awards Festival | African DJ of the Year | Herself | Nominated | [50] |
2023 | BET Awards | Best International Act | Nominated | [34] | |
2023 | Headies Awards | Best Southern African Artist of the Year | Nominated | [51] | |
2023 | GQ Men of the Year Awards (SA) | Woman of the Year | Won | [52] | |
2023 | MOBO Awards | Best African Music Act | Pending | [53] |
References
- ^ a b c d e 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b c Ani, Ivie (7 March 2023). "Interview: Uncle Waffles to the World". Audiomack. Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b 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) - ^ a b c d e f g h Mamo, Heran (31 March 2023). "Meet Uncle Waffles, the Artist Bringing the South African Amapiano Genre to Coachella". Billboard. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
- ^ a b Peaks on The Official South African Charts:
- "Tanzania": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100: Week 17". The Official South African Charts. 9 May 2022. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- "Yahyuppiyah": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100: Week 14 2023". The Official South African Charts. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
- "Peacock (Revisit)": "South Africa Songs: Week of September 9, 2023". Billboard. 9 September 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
- "Wadibusa": "Local and International Streaming Chart Top 10: Week 18". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Phiri, Janice (3 September 2023). "Uncle Waffles now serving takeaways". News24. City Press. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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) - ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b "Yahyuppiyah (feat. Pcee, Eeque, Chley) - Single by Uncle Waffles". Apple Music (ZA). Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
- ^ a b Jabulani, John (14 April 2023). "Uncle Waffles' 'Asylum' Attains Gold Status". Ubetoo. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
- ^ Zuma, Mbalenhle (19 April 2023). "Uncle Waffles stuns as first amapiano DJ at Coachella". Sunday World. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
- ^ Seleme, Rae (11 May 2023). "Renaissance Tour: Beyoncé plays Uncle Waffles 'Tanzania'". The South African. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
- ^ a b Rouhani, Neena (8 June 2023). "GloRilla & Drake Lead 2023 BET Awards Nominations". Billboard. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ Gaanakgomo, Constance (8 August 2023). "Gratitude & reflections — Inside Uncle Waffles' latest project 'An Asylum of Solace'". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ Esomnofu, Emmanuel. "Uncle Waffles Is Bringing Amapiano to the World". Okayplayer. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ Ontong, Joel (11 August 2023). "REVIEW | Instrumentally rich sound, soothing melodies: Uncle Waffles shows her softer side with Solace". News24. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ a b Darangwa, Shingai (4 August 2023). "Uncle Waffles showcases her musical depth with new single 'Echoes'". iOL. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ "Youth Month Spotlight: Uncle Waffles "Wadibusa" on the charts". theofficialsacharts. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ Moloi, Atlehang (31 May 2024). "Uncle Waffles Reveals Dates For Upcoming World Tour 'Less Talk More Piano' | Slikouronlife". Slikouronlife. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ "Red Dragon - EP by Uncle Waffles". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Shingai, Darangwa (26 September 2023). "Uncle Waffles sells out her first international headline show in New York". iOL. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
- ^ https://www.glamour.co.za/celebrity-news/amapiano-star-uncle-waffles-drops-visuals-for-her-first-2024-single-wadibusa-0778f21b-efe8-4204-b9b9-a16d4be728eb
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Contagious - Album by Felo Le Tee". Apple Music (US). Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Lambley, Garrin (11 August 2023). "AKA and Costa Titch nominated for African Muzik Magazine Awards". The South African. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Grein, Paul (4 September 2023). "Rema, Burna Boy Top 2023 Headies Awards: Full Winners List". Billboard. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Beaumont-Thomas, Ben (14 December 2023). "Little Simz and Stormzy top 2024 Mobo award nominations". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 December 2023.