Uncle Waffles continues to elevate Amapiano on the global stage, making history as the first Black woman to headline the iconic Brooklyn Mirage on August 17. Hailing from Swaziland and based in South Africa, the electrifying DJ has captivated audiences with her exhilarating dance moves, innovative set designs and vibrant sound. Her blazing performance was bolstered by the renowned Soulection DJ Andre Power and amapiano heavyweights 2woBunnies, transforming the night into a pulsating, non-stop dance fest where Uncle Waffles’ infectious energy commanded the crowd’s attention.
Amapiano, a genre rooted in South African musical tradition, fuses African rhythms with house, Afrobeats and hip-hop, resulting in a sound that is uniquely South African yet resonant across continents. It’s a genre built on movement, with many of its standout tracks relying on their addictive BPMs and captivating choreography rather than vocals.
Her 90-minute set was a spectacle of music, high-octane dancing and next-level production. She started the night with the fan-favorite “Tanzania” from her breakout 2022 project, Red Room. Waffles danced behind the turntables as her dancers seemed to materialize from thin air amidst a haze of smoke and pyrotechnics. What made the performance even more special was that each dancer had a chance to take center stage and be celebrated by the audience. Yet, Waffles never lost focus, remaining the undeniable star of the show. Highlights from the setlist included her global hit “Yahyuppiyah” and TitoM, Yuppe and Burna Boy’s remix of the crossover track “Tshwala Bam.”
For an artist who rarely uses vocals in her music, Uncle Waffles’ message is loud and clear through her movement and stagecraft. The LED backdrop showcased fiery visuals, likely inspired by her 2023 project Asylum, and later transitioned into playful graphics featuring giant waffles floating against a pastel pink background.
Her landmark Brooklyn Mirage show follows a standout set at AfroNation Detroit earlier this month and her 2023 Coachella debut. Brooklyn Mirage has been home to concerts from David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia and Thundercat – making her headline set as a Black woman in the dance space even more notable. With co-signs from the likes of Drake, Pharrell and more, Uncle Waffles is on the path to becoming a global megastar.
