South African DJ and social media sensation Uncle Waffles is no stranger to attention, both positive and critical.
Recently she addressed the harsh scrutiny surrounding her body in a TikTok video. Known for her high-energy performances and viral dance videos, Uncle Waffles, who has become one of South Africa’s most prominent entertainment figures, drawing fans from across the globe.
In the video, she began by expressing gratitude to the people who frequently post clips of her from shows. “A lot of people encounter me through these videos,” she said, acknowledging the role fans play in expanding her reach. However, she quickly pivoted to address the troubling comments she’s received, particularly those focusing on her body weight. A recent supportive video, meant to engage positively, had drawn hundreds of replies fixated on her appearance.
“As someone who has experienced a lot of constant criticism about my appearance,” Uncle Waffles said, “the Olympics to tear down my ego are not going to work because I’m not living to please people but to be comfortable with myself.” She emphasized that much of the negativity began with a viral Facebook post falsely claiming she is transgender, which led to widespread speculation that she had transitioned out of jealousy toward a fellow performer, Uncle Vinny.
“The reason I bring that up,” she explained, “is because a lot of queer people around me started receiving hate. I couldn’t let that fester or create an environment where people feel they can talk about others in my circle, especially since I have a diverse and supportive group around me.”
Uncle Waffles also addressed the practical challenges of maintaining her health while constantly traveling. “I have to make sure to keep up with eating healthy, which is not always possible,” she admitted, highlighting the pressures of her demanding schedule and lifestyle.
The discussion took a darker turn as she recounted some of the extreme demands from critics, including people telling her to expose private areas to “prove” her gender. Her response was clear, she refuses to let such invasive comments dictate her sense of self.
With honesty and composure, Uncle Waffles used the platform not only to defend herself but also to create awareness around body-shaming and the importance of protecting those in her community. Her message is simple but powerful, criticism says more about the critic than the person being criticised, and self-worth comes from within, not from the approval of strangers.
@uncle.waffles#stitch with @Penelope_ubisi ♬ original sound – Uncle Waffles
