Uncle Waffles has become one of the most recognizable faces of the Amapiano movement — her signature dance moves, infectious sets, and magnetic presence have taken her from South African clubs to some of the biggest stages in the world, including Coachella. But during a recent interview with Complex at the iconic music festival, she used her spotlight to highlight the names that came before her and explain why some of Amapiano’s biggest contributors, like Kabza De Small, still remain under the radar on a global scale.
“Okay, there’s a lot of OGs that people don’t know about,” she began, when asked which Amapiano artists the world should be paying attention to. “The people who started the sound. We’ve got De Mthuda, we’ve got Kabza De Small, we’ve got MFR Souls — those are the originators of the sound.”
Uncle Waffles emphasized that while these names are legendary within South Africa and among Amapiano fans, they haven’t quite broken through internationally. “Yeah, people don’t know about them. Because maybe they don’t have the reach yet. But we’re working on it, working on telling their stories, so everybody gets to know who started it!”
Her comments highlight a broader issue within the music industry — global recognition often depends not just on talent, but on visibility, marketing, and access to international platforms. Artists like Kabza De Small, often dubbed the “King of Amapiano,” have shaped the genre’s sound with groundbreaking productions and collaborations. Yet, despite their massive influence, they remain relatively unknown to audiences beyond Africa.
But things are changing, and artists like Uncle Waffles are leading that shift. She’s not only flying the Amapiano flag high through her performances, but also taking time to amplify the pioneers and the next wave of talent.
In addition to MFR Souls and Kabza De Small, she gave a nod to some rising stars making serious moves: Scott Maphuma, Lee Mckrazy, Rap Academy and herself.
Uncle Waffles’ love for the culture runs deep. Beyond the beats and viral moments, she’s committed to making sure the world knows where Amapiano came from — and who deserves the credit for building its foundation.
As Amapiano continues its global takeover, it’s voices like hers that will ensure the genre’s rich story is told — not just through its sound, but through the names and legacies that shaped it.
