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By Siphesihle Dlamini
Winning as if their lives depended on it! Barely a week goes by without Eswatini-born superstars, Uncle Waffles and Zee Nxumalo making it to the ‘trending list’ for their respective trendsetting artistry.
Like two peas in a pod, these two Eswatini-born stars are not just riding the wave of fame, they are making it their surfboard! With creativity as their compass and determination as their fuel, Uncle Waffles and Zee Nxumalo are proving that dreams do come true, even in a world where the odds may seem stacked against you.
As if living up to German athletic apparel and footwear, Adidas’ mantra, “Impossible Is Nothing,” the pair has shown an Eswatini ‘black child’ that, “indeed it is possible.” Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president, once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Who has ever thought fellow Zwane and Nxumalo kids would make it this global? From shining brightly like a beacon of hope to securing lucrative endorsement deals, basking in the glow of international awards, and gracing the covers of prestigious magazines, the list is endless.
The Eswatini dynamos soar higher than a kite on a windy day and are consistently lecturing the world that the sky’s the limit. So, the next time self-doubt creeps in, just remember: if Uncle Waffles and Zee Nxumalo can reach for the stars, so can you! This has unleashed the grade 0 dream of mine of being a pilot- indeed one can fly a plane someday.
Born and raised in Eswatini, Uncle Waffles, also known as Lungelihle Zwane, has carved her path to stardom through a unique journey that blends passion, perseverance, and a touch of serendipity.
Initially starting her career as a television presenter on Eswatini TV’s Studio1, her transition to the world of DJ’ing was sparked by a fortuitous encounter with a set of DJ decks at the studio, courtesy of a friend.
This chance introduction to the world of music set the stage for her meteoric rise in the industry.
Relocating to South Africa, Uncle Waffles’ partnership with KFC not only showcases her inspirational story but also invites her fans to embark on a culinary adventure with the exclusive KFC Uncle Waffles Burger.
From gracing the stages of Coachella to earning prestigious BET Award nominations, her whirlwind journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Having honed her DJ skills during the lockdowns of 2020, Uncle Waffles’ dedication to her craft shone through as she practised tirelessly for eight hours each day. Signing with the renowned South African creative agency KreativeKornerr, her gigs in the competitive music scene of South Africa catapulted her to fame, especially after a viral video of her electrifying performance at Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto.
Venturing into music production, her debut single ‘Tanzania’ from her EP Red Dragon garnered critical acclaim, solidifying her position as a global ambassador for Amapiano music.
Embarking on her first UK and Ireland tour, she headlined it alongside industry heavyweights like DJ Maphorisa and Focalistic, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Continuing her musical odyssey, Uncle Waffles’ releases like the EP Asylum and the track ‘Yahyuppiyah’ further cemented her status as a rising star in the music scene.
Her historic performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the recognition from publications like Mixmag and Audiomack underscored her impact on the global music landscape.
To validate her stardom and influence, she was given a nod by industry giants like Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland. The artisan has bagged major awards including the GQ Woman of the Year Award and Soundcity MVP Awards DJ of The Year.
Zandile Nxumalo, affectionately known as Zee Nxumalo, has been making waves in the South African music scene with her vibrant personality and exceptional musical abilities. Hailing from Eswatini and embracing Johannesburg as her second home, Zee has captured the hearts of fans and critics alike with her infectious energy and undeniable talent.
Having recently embarked on a solo career in partnership with Punchline Media, a renowned independent record label, Zee Nxumalo has been on a meteoric rise to stardom. Her six-track project ‘KwaNxumalo’ and the hit single ‘Hamba’ have garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing her versatility and artistry.
Her song ‘Funk 55’ has been certified 5x platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). has landed a significant partnership with the renowned beloved Dutch pale-lager Heineken brand.
The talented Eswatini-born artist has also made her mark by having her name featured on the latest Heineken Lager Beer bottles, marking a monumental achievement in her career.
In a historic moment that bridged the worlds of sports and entertainment, Eswatini-born talent Zee Nxumalo took center stage as the first act to ever perform at the Soweto Derby halftime show, between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.
…Uncle Waffles, Zee Nxumlo’s success a dare to local artists
So, what can other Eswatini artists do to push beyond borders and unlock the doors to global recognition?
Embrace cultural identity
One of the most powerful tools in an artist’s arsenal is their unique cultural identity. Eswatini artists should draw inspiration from their roots, infusing their music, art, and performances with the rich tapestry of Eswatini’s traditions, languages, and heritage.
By celebrating their cultural identity, artists can create a distinct and authentic brand that resonates with audiences around the world.
Local artist, M Nation was recently performing in India, at the Surajkund International Craft Mela Festival. According to the musician, what the Indians love the most is the Eswatini culture, as he was performing alongside a culture troupe.
Collaborate with international artists
Collaboration is key to expanding one’s reach and tapping into new audiences. Local creatives should seek opportunities to collaborate with international artists, producers, and industry professionals to create cross-cultural music that transcends borders.
Working with artists from different backgrounds and genres, Eswatini artists can create innovative and dynamic music that appeals to a global audience and broaden their audience.
Most local acts are living up to that as they are frequently collaborating with South African acts. On his album Lwandiso, which dropped on Friday, Young Zesh collaborated with atleast four South African musicians, namely, Anzo, TribalGFuru, Nomndayi, and Indiana RSA.
This allows the artists to share their audiences and grow respective brands. Also, local vocalist, Liyana Ndiweni announced that she has a song on the way featuring a Japanese DJ 3D, also known as Achu.
Utilize digital platforms
In the digital age, artists have unprecedented access to global audiences through online platforms and social media. Eswatini artists should leverage digital platforms to showcase their music, connect with fans, and build a strong online presence. A perfect living testimony of this is Uncle Waffles.
After filling in for a withdrawn DJ at the Zone 6 nightclub in Soweto in October 2021, she gained prominence after a video of her dancing to the song ‘Adiwele’ by Young Stunna during her set went viral. She was subsequently followed and co-signed by Canadian rapper, Drake.
Invest in professional development
To succeed on the global stage, Eswatini artists should invest in their professional development and hone their craft. Artists should seek opportunities for training, mentorship, and networking to enhance their skills and expand their industry knowledge.
By staying informed about trends in the music industry and continuously improving their craft, artists can position themselves for success on the global stage.
