By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE – Over 35 million views later!
Uncle Waffles, born Lungelihle Zwane, has reached yet another milestone in her music career. Her latest hit, “Wadibusa,” has amassed over 35,173,343 views on YouTube since its release on April 19 last year.
The track features collaborations with artists Ohp Sage, Pcee, and Djy Biza, contributing to its widespread appeal. Notably, Uncle Waffles’ song “Yahyppiyah,” featuring Pcee, EeQue, and Chl, holds the title for the highest streams on Spotify.
In addition to her online success, Uncle Waffles has gained recognition on Audiomack, where she ranks as the second most popular female artist in South Africa. Earlier this year, she was also featured as the cover girl for the Valentine’s edition of Rolling Stone Africa, marking a significant milestone for the Eswatini-born artist who has rapidly ascended to become one of Africa’s leading musical figures.
Last June, Uncle Waffles embarked on a world tour titled “Less Talk, More Piano,” which kicked off in Paris and is set to conclude in Asia on November 29. Her tour includes performances across Europe, Australia, North America, Asia, and Africa, showcasing her global appeal.
With 2.8 million followers on Instagram, Uncle Waffles is not only a DJ but also a record producer based in South Africa. She gained further acclaim when featured in Rolling Stone magazine in December, a publication known for its focus on music, politics, and popular culture.
Throughout 2023, Waffles has been recognized by major media outlets such as Rolling Stone, Forbes, CNN, Variety, The New York Times, and Complex UK for her remarkable achievements, including the releases of her Solace and Asylum Extended Playlist EPs, performances at Coachella, and sold-out shows in New York.
Noted for her contributions to the Amapiano genre and her captivating dance abilities, Billboard has dubbed her the “Princess of Amapiano.” Her debut single, “Tanzania,” reached number one and went platinum in South Africa, garnering the attention of some of the world’s biggest stars, including Canadian rapper Drake, who famously shared a photo of her and sent a shout-out.
With her undeniable talent and growing influence, Uncle Waffles is poised to continue her ascent in the music industry, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique sound and energetic performances.