• Uncle Waffles: A Global Phenomenon – 2.8 million global streams
• DBN Gogo: Making History and Breaking Barriers -900,000 followers on Spotify
• A New Era for Women in Amapiano
• The Future of Amapiano and Female Talent

In the world of Amapiano, the genre that exploded from South African townships to global stages, two female DJs – Uncle Waffles and DBN Gogo – are not only pushing boundaries but actively reshaping the landscape. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, these two powerhouses are breaking records in streaming, performing at prestigious international events, and proving that they are more than just artists – they’re industry changers. Their rise signals a shift in the business of music, spotlighting the bankability of female talent in a genre that’s capturing worldwide attention.

Uncle Waffles: A Global Phenomenon in the making

Uncle Waffles, whose real name is Lungelihle Zwane, burst onto the scene in 2021, and her meteoric rise hasn’t slowed down. Currently on a highly anticipated world tour, Uncle Waffles is taking her electrifying Amapiano sets to international audiences. The tour, which kicked off in June, spans major cities across Europe, North America, and is set to extend into Asia, Australia, and Africa. The sheer scale of her tour underscores the global appeal of Amapiano and positions her as one of the genre’s most promising figures.

Her streaming success mirrors her performance reach. As of March 2023, Uncle Waffles had accumulated over 2.8 million global streams on Audiomack and boasted over 1,576,392 monthly listeners on Spotify. The genre itself, in which she is a key figure, hit over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify in 2023, with 55% of those streams coming from South Africa. But it’s her ability to cross borders and captivate global audiences that truly sets her apart.

A critical element of her rise has been her collaboration with Audiomack, where she was named an #UpNow artist, a program designed to spotlight emerging global talents. This partnership has not only amplified her music but also placed her on a world stage. Her performance at Coachella in April 2023, where she became the first Amapiano artist to perform, was a watershed moment. This, combined with her viral hits like “Yahyuppiyah,” proves that Uncle Waffles is not just an artist riding a wave—she’s creating it.

DBN Gogo: Making History and Breaking Barriers

While Uncle Waffles is captivating fans globally, DBN Gogo is also making history in monumental ways. Born Mandisa Radebe, DBN Gogo recently became the first female Amapiano DJ and producer to perform at the world-renowned Tomorrowland music festival in Belgium. Performing on the Crystal Garden stage alongside global EDM stars, her set introduced the vibrant sounds of South Africa to one of the largest electronic music festivals in the world. Her performance was not just a win for her, but for the entire Amapiano genre, demonstrating its seamless integration into global electronic music.

DBN Gogo’s influence extends beyond the decks. Her streaming numbers are equally impressive. With nearly 900,000 followers on Spotify, she is one of the top South African DJs on the platform, and her music continues to be featured on high-profile playlists. Her hit “Dakiwe,” featuring Lady Du, went viral, sparking social media challenges that amplified her global reach. Her rise isn’t just a testament to her skill—it speaks to her ability to connect with diverse audiences worldwide.

A New Era for Women in Amapiano

For decades, the South African music industry, like many others around the world, has been male-dominated, especially in genres like Amapiano where male producers and DJs traditionally take center stage. Uncle Waffles and DBN Gogo are defying that norm. Their rise showcases the power and potential of female artists in a genre that, while deeply rooted in South African culture, is rapidly becoming a global phenomenon.

The business angle of their success is undeniable. Both artists are highly marketable, attracting sponsorships from brands eager to align themselves with this rising wave of Amapiano. Uncle Waffles’ partnership with Audiomack has been a game-changer, offering her promotional and performance opportunities that have accelerated her career. DBN Gogo, meanwhile, has become a brand ambassador for Spotify’s EQUAL Africa initiative and Jägermeister, further solidifying her as a powerful figure not just in music, but in business.

The Future of Amapiano and Female Talent

As Uncle Waffles and DBN Gogo continue to break barriers, their influence is being felt beyond the music itself. They represent a new era for women in Amapiano and are proving that female DJs and producers are not only capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts—they are capable of leading the charge. Their success also sends a powerful message to the business side of the music industry: female talent is not just viable but bankable, and it’s time to invest accordingly.

With their international tours, record-breaking streaming numbers, and genre-defining performances, Uncle Waffles and DBN Gogo are redefining what it means to be a female artist in Amapiano. More than just symbols of empowerment, they are driving the genre’s global expansion and ensuring that the future of Amapiano will be as diverse as it is dynamic.