BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – The “Princess of Amapiano,” Uncle Waffles, is officially trading the decks for the red carpet as she graced the United States for the annual Grammy Awards.
In a recent announcement on Instagram by the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, it was confirmed that the Eswatini-born DJ met with Public Affairs Officer Vanessa Toscano at the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg before her departure. The meeting marked a significant milestone for the artist, highlighting her role as a cultural ambassador bridging the gap between Southern African rhythms and the global stage.
While the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, saw South African sensation Tyla win her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance and veteran Trevor Noah return to host, the inclusion of Uncle Waffles in the celebration underscores her meteoric rise.
Since her viral breakthrough in 2021, Waffles has become a staple of international music festivals, including a historic set at Coachella. Her presence at the Grammys further cements Amapiano’s status as a dominant force in the global music industry.
The U.S. Embassy’s post emphasized that the cultural ties between the United States and South Africa are deep, strong, and growing. By supporting artists like Uncle Waffles and fellow creative Lordkez, the diplomatic mission aims to foster music excellence and achievement.
This support from the Consulate helps smooth the way for African talent to shine on American soil. It proves that the “log-drum” sound is no longer just a local trend but a significant part of the international artistic exchange.
Uncle Waffles was born Lungelihle Zwane in Eswatini. Before her music career exploded, she worked as a television presenter for Studio1 on Eswatini TV. She eventually moved to South Africa to pursue her dreams in the entertainment industry.
Her transition to DJing began during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. Demonstrating an intense work ethic, she spent eight hours a day mastering the decks. This dedication paved the way for her viral moment in October 2021 at Zone 6 in Soweto, where a video of her performing “Adiwele” caught the attention of global icons like Drake.
Her debut single “Tanzania” (2022) reached number one in South Africa and earned a 7x Platinum certification. The track was so influential that Beyoncé sampled it during a dance break on the Renaissance World Tour. Following this success, her hit “Yahyuppiyah” achieved 4x Platinum status and became a global social media anthem.
In April 2023, she made history as the first Amapiano artist to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. She has since been nominated for major awards, including Best International Act at the 2023 BET Awards and Woman of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards South Africa.
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