By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE – Amapiano DJ and producer Uncle Waffles, born Lungelihle Zwane (24), has made headlines once again as she graces the Valentine’s Cover of Rolling Stone Africa. This feature marks a significant milestone for the Eswatini-born sensation, who has rapidly ascended to become one of Africa’s prominent musical figures.
Known for her electrifying performances and trendsetting influence, Uncle Waffles took to Instagram over the weekend to share her excitement, writing, “Cover girl, thank you.” The post quickly resonated with her audience, amassing over 64,900 likes from her 2.9 million followers.
A Journey to Stardom
The magazine’s feature, titled “The Princess of Amapiano: Lungelihle Zwane’s Journey,” delves into her meteoric rise to fame. Conducted by Krysta Billington, the interview explores Uncle Waffles’ creative journey and her future aspirations. Dressed in a striking red outfit, she embodies the spirit of passion for the February 2025 Love cover.
This isn’t Uncle Waffles’ first encounter with Rolling Stone; she was previously featured in Rolling Stone US in December 2023. The American magazine highlighted her inspiring journey, stating, “Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles’ meteoric rise and journey to superstardom have been inspiring.”
Musical Achievements
Uncle Waffles has made a name for herself with a trilogy of successful projects and performances on some of the world’s biggest stages. Her hit track ‘Yahyuppiyah’, the lead single from her sophomore EP Asylum, exemplifies her dedication to crafting quality music.
On her other page, dubbed WELOVEWAFFLES, it was noted that she has garnered recognition from various prestigious platforms, including Rolling Stone, Forbes, CNN, Variety, The New York Times, and Complex UK for her outstanding accomplishments throughout 2023. These achievements include the releases of Solace and the Asylum Extended Playlist EP, alongside dazzling performances at Coachella and sold-out shows in New York.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
Uncle Waffles is celebrated for her contributions to the Amapiano genre and her captivating dance abilities, with Billboard dubbing her the Princess of Amapiano. Her debut single, Tanzania, not only topped the charts but also achieved platinum status in South Africa. She has caught the attention of global superstars, including Canadian rapper Drake, who famously shared a photo of her and offered a shout-out, further amplifying her presence in the music industry.
As Uncle Waffles continues to soar in her career, she remains a powerful force within the African music scene and an inspiring figure for many aspiring artists.
