Uncle Waffles: Amapiano’s Global Ambassador Lights Up Cape Town

Uncle Waffles: Amapiano's Global Ambassador Lights Up Cape Town

In the vibrant landscape of African electronic music, few artists have captured the zeitgeist quite like Uncle Waffles. The South African DJ and producer, who burst onto the scene in 2021, has become one of amapiano's most compelling ambassadors, bringing the genre's infectious rhythms to global audiences. On New Year's Day 2025, she delivered a masterclass in cultural fusion at Cape Town's Jerk X Jollof festival, demonstrating why she remains one of Africa's most dynamic performers.

The festival, held at the picturesque Ostrich Farm, served as a powerful celebration of Pan-African and Caribbean musical heritage. What made it amazing was the coming together of all the African and Caribbean cultures in one place to display and demonstrate the music that is bonded through Africa but has the flavors of each specific region - whether it's the Caribbean, whether it's Nigeria, or whether it’s South Africa.

It was just beautiful to see all these DJ's representing their countries or places. Even more beautiful was the experience of seeing everyone dance to the beats of the different regions and how they are very similar yet very different. You would have people dancing to soca, the flips from Afro dance, the kicks, hops and footwork from the Zulu style and the Amapiano hip movements – all in the same space.

When Uncle Waffles finally stepped up to the decks, the energy shifted instantly. What followed wasn't just a DJ set – it was a three-hour journey through the soul of South African electronic music. Unlike many modern DJs who simply transition from one track to another, Uncle Waffles performs with her whole body. Her dancing isn't just an add-on to the music; it's an integral part of the experience, a physical manifestation of amapiano's infectious rhythm.

What sets Uncle Waffles apart is her innate ability to translate amapiano's essence through both sound and movement. Her performances are a full-body experience – she doesn't just mix tracks, she embodies them. As she commanded the stage at Jerk X Jollof, her signature dance moves became a visual representation of the music's complex layers, inspiring crowds to match her energy and creating an electric feedback loop between performer and audience.

The festival provided a unique backdrop for Uncle Waffles' talents, placing amapiano within a broader context of Black musical innovation. From soca's carnival energy to Brazil's diverse rhythmic traditions, and Nigeria's Afrobeats to South Africa's deep house variants, the event highlighted the connected threads of African musical diaspora. Among this rich tapestry of sounds, Uncle Waffles' set stood out as a testament to amapiano's evolution and its potential for cross-cultural appeal.

Her performance style perfectly encapsulates the genre's distinctive elements – the deep house foundations, the African drum patterns, and the irresistible rhythms that, in her words, "make your body want to move." What's particularly noteworthy about Uncle Waffles' approach is how she's pushing amapiano forward while staying true to its roots. Her sets incorporate Afro deep house elements, creating a sophisticated fusion that pays homage to South Africa's rich electronic music history while crafting something distinctly contemporary.

Since her breakthrough in 2021, Uncle Waffles has transformed from an emerging talent to a bonafide star, but she's maintained the organic, authentic energy that first caught the world's attention. At Jerk X Jollof, this authenticity was on full display as she demonstrated why she's become one of amapiano's most important ambassadors. Her performance wasn't just about playing music – it was about creating a shared experience that transcended cultural and national boundaries.

The festival itself represented a powerful moment of cultural convergence, where different expressions of African and Caribbean musical heritage came together in celebration. Watching audiences adapt their dance styles to different regional sounds – from the high-energy movements of soca to the distinctive steps of amapiano – highlighted both the diversity and interconnectedness of African-derived musical traditions.

Uncle Waffles' standout performance at Jerk X Jollof reinforced her status as not just a DJ, but as a cultural force who's helping to shape the future of African electronic music. Her ability to blend technical skill, physical performance, and musical innovation while maintaining an authentic connection to her roots makes her a worthy Artist of the Week. As amapiano continues its global ascent, Uncle Waffles stands as one of its most compelling advocates, proving that the genre's appeal knows no bounds.

This masterful display in Cape Town wasn't just another festival set – it was a testament to the unifying power of African music and a reminder of why Uncle Waffles has become one of its most important contemporary voices. Through her performance, she demonstrated that while musical styles may vary across regions, the power of rhythm to bring people together remains universal.