Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lungelihle Zwane |
| Stage Name | Uncle Waffles |
| Date of Birth | 30 March 2000 (24 years) |
| Place of Birth | Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) |
| Education | Attended university in South Africa |
| Career Start | 2020 (DJing) |
| Notable Single | “Tanzania” |
| Debut EP | Red Dragon (March 2022) |
| Second EP | Asylum (March 2023) |
| Third EP | Solace (August 2023) |
| Tours | UK & Ireland (2022), USA, Australia, Coachella (2023) |
| Awards & Recognition | 2022 Mixmag Breakthrough DJ, 2023 BET Awards Nominee |
| Upcoming Tour | Less Talk, More Piano Tour (June 2024 – November 2024) |
| Current Partner | Thato Tlhankana (Kai) |
Biography
Early Life
Lungelihle Zwane, professionally known as Uncle Waffles, was born on March 30, 2000, in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Raised by her grandmother after being separated from her parents at a young age, Zwane’s early life was marked by hardship. She reconciled with her mother during her teenage years, but their relationship remained strained. Growing up, Zwane was deeply influenced by South African house and kwaito music, drawing inspiration from artists like Black Coffee, Lebo Mathosa, and DJ Kent.
Introduction to DJing
Uncle Waffles initially pursued a career as a television presenter on Studio1 at Eswatini TV. It was during this time that she was introduced to DJing by a friend who worked at the studio. Despite her promising career in television, Zwane’s passion for music led her to focus on DJing. She moved to South Africa to attend university and immerse herself in the local music scene.
Music Career
During the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, Uncle Waffles dedicated herself to mastering DJing, practicing for up to eight hours a day. Her efforts paid off when she signed with KreativeKornerr, a South African creative agency that helped her navigate the competitive music industry.
Her breakthrough came in October 2021 when she filled in for a DJ at Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto. A video of her dancing to Young Stunna’s “Adiwele” during her set went viral, significantly boosting her profile. In March 2022, she released her debut single “Tanzania,” which quickly climbed to number one in South Africa and was certified 7x platinum. The track was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the best Afropop songs of 2022.
Uncle Waffles’s debut EP, Red Dragon, was released alongside her single in March 2022. She then embarked on her first tour of the UK and Ireland, marking the beginning of her international presence. In September 2022, she released her debut music video for “Tanzania” and announced a residency on BBC Radio 1.
Major Achievements
In April 2023, Uncle Waffles became the first amapiano musician to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Her music has reached global audiences, with Beyoncé sampling “Tanzania” during her Renaissance World Tour. She was nominated for Best International Act at the 2023 BET Awards.
Her second EP, Asylum, released in March 2023, featured the hit single “Yahyuppiyah” and was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). In August 2023, she followed up with Solace, which was supported by the single “Echoes” featuring Tony Duardo.
Recent Projects
In April 2024, Uncle Waffles released the single “Wadibusa” featuring OHP Sage, Pcee, and Djy Bizana, which peaked at No. 4 on the Local Top 100 and No. 11 on the International Top 200 charts. She will embark on the Less Talk, More Piano Tour starting June 2, 2024, and continuing until November 29, 2024.
Personal Life
Uncle Waffles is currently dating Thato Tlhankana, also known as Kai. In September 2023, she launched the “Uncle Waffles Burger” in partnership with KFC South Africa, which was a nod to her journey in music and life.
Uncle Waffles’s rise from a television presenter in Eswatini to an international DJ and record producer reflects her dedication, talent, and the growing influence of amapiano music on the global stage.