SA: Uncle Waffles graces Rolling Stone Africa cover

The cover feature explores her extraordinary journey, tracing how she evolved into becoming a global phenomenon in amapiano music.

“We wanted a talent that represents an African success story, one that resonates with the youth,” Rolling Stone Africa CEO Bellegarde Smeralda said. “Uncle Waffles was the perfect choice, blending music, style, and high-energy performance. As the first female artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Africa, she is making history not just for herself but for the entire amapiano and Afro House community.”

Uncle Waffles’ rise to fame is a story of resilience and self-determination. During South Africa’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns, she taught herself to DJ, dedicating up to eight hours a day to mastering her craft. However, it was a viral video of her dancing behind the decks, spinning Young Stunna’s hit ‘Adiwele, that catapulted her to stardom. The clip caught the attention of global superstar Drake, who publicly endorsed her talent, becoming one of her most notable supporters.

Since her breakthrough, Uncle Waffles has continuously pushed the boundaries of amapiano. Her debut EP, Red Dragon (2022), introduced fans to her unique sound, with the lead single ‘Tanzania’ achieving quadruple-platinum status in South Africa. She later expanded her artistic scope with her debut album, Asylum (2023), fusing hip hop influences into her signature amapiano beats.

Rolling Stone Africa, launched in August 2024, is committed to celebrating African music, culture, and storytelling. Operated by Mwankom Group in partnership with Penske Media Corporation (PMC), the magazine is establishing itself as a leading voice in African entertainment.