South Africa’s beloved sound, Amapiano, is quickly taking over the world. Thanks to International performing DJ Uncle Waffles (real name Lungelihle Zwane), Brooklyn, New York, has been stamped as a hot spot for the budding genre.
To close out the North American leg of her Less Talk More Piano World Tour, Uncle Waffle set The Brooklyn Mirage at Avant Gardner ablaze. But while doing so, on August 18, Uncle Waffles also made history, becoming the first African woman as well as Amapiano artist to ever headline the 5,000-capacity venue.
In an exclusive statement, Uncle Waffles told ENVERT what this accomplishment meant to her. “I am extremely honored to be the first Black woman to headline the illustrious Brooklyn Mirage,” she said. “On the day of the show, I was nervous, not only for this huge headline moment but also because, just hours before, I had to decide whether to postpone due to rain and lightning storms. My team and I prayed, letting God handle what we couldn’t. We made history, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
Uncle Waffles extended that love to everyone who made the milestone possible. “I want to thank my management team, my PR team, my dancers, Amazon, Oscar Mbo, 2wo Bunnies, EDEN, Bambii, Andre Power, and all of my fans who supported this show in person and via live stream,” she wrote. “Brooklyn… WE KISSED!”
The bridge between South Africa and Brooklyn has been forged in music. During Uncle Waffles’ show, she was sure to pay homage to native music legend in the making, Joey Badass. The Bedford–Stuyvesant representative joined her onstage for an electric performance. Although the show marked the end of Uncle Waffles’ scheduled performances in North America, her time on the road is far from done.
Starting in October, Uncle Waffles’ Less Talk More Piano! World Tour will resume, picking back up in Australia. To check out international listings, click here.
