Lungelihle Zwane (born April 4, 2000; Age: 24 years) is a highly acclaimed South African multifaceted celebrity widely recognized for her diverse talents. Best known by her stage name, Uncle Waffles, she has made a significant mark in various entertainment spheres, showcasing her prowess as a DJ, Singer, Record Producer, Host, Model, and Social Media Personality.
Uncle Waffles has captivated audiences with her striking beauty and has also demonstrated exceptional skills in the art of dance, further adding to her versatile repertoire. Her influence extends beyond traditional entertainment roles, as she has become a notable figure in the Amapiano music genre.
Her impact on Amapiano has led to her affectionately being called the “Princess of Amapiano,” a testament to her contributions and influence within this vibrant and popular musical genre.
Early Life
Uncle Waffles was born in Swaziland, South Africa, where she spent her formative years under the nurturing and care of her grandmother. Her relationship with her mother, Sinaye Zwane, took shape during her teenage years, adding a new chapter to her life story. However, details about her father remain undisclosed, contributing an air of mystery to her background.
Throughout her upbringing, Uncle Waffles shared most of her time between her mother and grandmother, creating a close-knit family environment. Following completing her secondary education, she pursued higher learning at the prestigious University of KwaZulu-Natal, showcasing her artistic talents and her commitment to academic growth.
However, her academic journey took an unexpected turn as she boldly decided to discontinue her studies. Uncle Waffles wholeheartedly followed her passion for music, opting to drop out of university and embark on a journey into musical creativity.
Career
Amid the tough times brought on by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Uncle Waffles saw a chance to grow personally and professionally by taking up a DJ tutorial. Soon after, she signed with Kreative Kornerr, a big South African creative agency that hooked her up with gigs nationwide, marking a big step forward in her career.
Uncle Waffles hit the big time in October 2021 when a video of her lively DJ performance at the Zone 6 Nightclub in Soweto went viral. This made her a celeb in the media and also caught the eye of global star Drake, who gave her a quick follow on Instagram.
Taking advantage of her growing fan base, she dived into making music and dropped her first single, “Tanzania,” a song that quickly shot her to fame in the music world. At the same time, she released her first EP, “Red Dragon,” showing off her skills as a versatile artist.
September 2022 was a game-changer as she released the music video for “Tanzania” and rocked the stage at the Global Citizen Festival in Accra, making a strong mark on the worldwide music scene. Keeping the momentum going, Uncle Waffles released her second EP in March 2023, featuring the track “Yahyuppiyah,” which became a huge hit on various social media, especially TikTok.
April 2023 brought a historic moment for Uncle Waffles as she earned the title “Princess of Amapiano” for being the first Amapiano artist to perform at the prestigious Coachella festival. To show her broad appeal, she shared an awesome TikTok video of herself dancing with the famous American singer Ciara, solidifying her position as a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment world.
Discography
- Tanzania
- Yahyvuppiyah
- Echoes
- Sghubuhandro
- Peace & Happiness
- Peacock Revisit
- Waffles Anthem
- Khumbula
Personal Life
Uncle Waffles is happily in a romantic relationship with Thato Tlhankana, also known as Kai, who happens to be the co-founder of KreativeKornerr.
Their love story started in 2023, and they regularly share sweet moments of their relationship on their social media pages. It’s evident that their bond is getting stronger with each passing day.
Social Media
- Instagram: @unclewaffles_
- Twitter: @unclewaffles_
- Facebook: Uncle Waffles
- TikTok: @unclewaffles_
Net Worth
Uncle Waffles has amassed an estimated net worth of about US$300,000 – US$500,000.
