Uncle Waffles

Swazi-born, South Africa-based DJ and producer Uncle Waffles, commonly known as the "Princess of Amapiano," made history in April 2023 as the first amapiano artist to perform at Coachella, bringing South African house music to one of the world's biggest stages and kicking off her US tour on the Sonora Stage. Her growth has been exponential: from a viral 30-second clip in Soweto in 2021 to sold-out stages across multiple continents, with Beyoncé sampling her debut single "Tanzania" on the Renaissance World Tour.

Esi has been part of Uncle Waffles' USA dancer team since that landmark Coachella run, performing with her across Afro Nation Miami, Osheaga Festival in Montreal, H&M&LA, United Masters Grammy Show, Revolt World, Revolve Fest, and We Love Waffles, her headline show in New York City, three years in a row.

Central to this chapter of Esi's career has been the opportunity to learn and perform under Lee-ché Janecke, known professionally as Litchi Hov. Cape Town-born and internationally acclaimed, Litchi is one of South Africa's most celebrated choreographers and creative directors. He is the creative mind behind Tyla's Grammy-winning viral choreography for "Water" and "Push 2 Start," and has worked with artists including Uncle Waffles, Sho Madjozi, and Mafikizolo. Being coached directly by Litchi, and working alongside Uncle Waffles herself, has deepened Esi's love, appreciation, and comprehension of amapiano and South African music in ways that were further compounded by her travels to South Africa.