Uncle Waffles Makes History at Coachella 2023 as First Amapiano DJ on Main Stage – Full Recap & Highlights
INDIO, CA, USA – 18 April 2023 – Following her Certified Gold 2023 Project “Asylum“ announcement after just one week of being released, Uncle Waffles continues her upward trajectory. This past weekend saw her kick off her USA Tour by re-introducing the Amapiano genre to Coachella, as the first Amapiano DJ to perform on one of the main stages at the esteemed international music festival.
Trending All Weekend: A Historic Debut
Official videos of her set started trending on Twitter early Saturday morning in South Africa, as she put on her first stellar performance on Friday evening in the US, complete with all the choreography and high energy we know her to deliver.
Despite experiencing some technical difficulties during her 9 PM prime-time slot, she mastered on and delivered the same authentic Uncle Waffles experience we all know and love her for.
The Coachella audience received her with open arms at the Sonora stage, right before headliner Bad Bunny hit the main stage to close the night off.
A Weekend of Historic Performances
But Uncle Waffles didn’t stop at one historic set. Over the course of the weekend, she delivered multiple performances that cemented her place in Coachella history.
Friday: Sonora Stage Debut
Her Friday evening performance at the Sonora Stage marked the first time an Amapiano DJ had ever played on a main stage at Coachella. Despite technical hiccups, she powered through with professionalism and infectious energy, winning over a crowd that was largely unfamiliar with the genre.
Saturday: Surprise Do-Lab Set
On Saturday, she was introduced as the surprise act on the Do-Lab stage to an unsuspecting audience. Yet again, the crowd loved her high-energy performance, securing her a spot in the history books. The Do-Lab is known for showcasing experimental and underground acts – and Uncle Waffles proved she belongs among the best.
Saturday Night: Official Coachella Afterparty
She closed off the weekend with her killer set at the Coachella afterparty at Zenyara, an exclusive invite-only event attended by industry insiders, fellow artists, and VIP guests. The afterparty set further solidified her reputation as one of the most exciting live acts to emerge from South Africa.
More to Come: Weekend Two at Coachella
Uncle Waffles will return to Coachella this coming weekend for their fourth performance at the festival. Weekend two (April 21-23, 2023) will see her take the stage once again, giving even more fans the chance to experience the magic of Amapiano live.
Her return marks an unprecedented four performances across both weekends of Coachella – a testament to the demand for her unique sound and electrifying stage presence.
From “Kasi” to Coachella: A Year of Milestones
Uncle Waffles’ Coachella debut came on the heels of her Certified Gold 2023 Project “Asylum”, which achieved Gold status just one week after its release. The project featured hits that have dominated airwaves and dance floors across South Africa and beyond.
Her rapid ascent from local DJ to international headliner is a testament to the global appeal of Amapiano – and to Uncle Waffles’ unique ability to connect with audiences anywhere in the world.
The USA Tour Kicks Off
Coachella marked the official kickoff of her USA Tour. Following the festival, Uncle Waffles is scheduled to perform in multiple cities across the United States, bringing the Amapiano sound to new audiences coast to coast.
Social Media Frenzy: South Africa Proud
Back home in South Africa, fans and fellow artists flooded social media with praise. Clips of her Coachella sets amassed millions of views across Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. The hashtags #UncleWafflesAtCoachella and #AmapianoOnMainStage trended for days.
Many South Africans expressed pride in seeing one of their own break barriers on one of the world’s biggest music stages. Uncle Waffles’ success has become a symbol of Amapiano’s global dominance.
What’s Next for Uncle Waffles?
With a successful Coachella debut, a Gold-certified project, and a USA Tour underway, Uncle Waffles shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can expect:
- More tour dates across North America and Europe
- New music following the “Asylum” project
- Potential collaborations with international artists inspired by her Coachella sets
- A return to South Africa for a homecoming tour later in 2023
Event Recap Summary
| Performance | Day | Stage/Venue | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonora Stage Debut | Friday, April 14 | Sonora Stage (Coachella) | First Amapiano DJ on main stage; technical difficulties overcome |
| Surprise Do-Lab Set | Saturday, April 15 | Do-Lab Stage | Unsuspecting crowd; high-energy reception |
| Official Afterparty | Saturday, April 15 | Zenyara (Coachella afterparty) | Exclusive invite-only set |
| Weekend Two Return | April 21–23 | TBA | Fourth performance at Coachella |
Uncle Waffles made history at Coachella 2023 as the first Amapiano DJ to perform on the main stage. With multiple sets, trending social media moments, and a USA Tour underway, she continues to put South African music on the global map.
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