Babes Wodumo breaks down in tears – VIDEO! Gqom sensation Babes Wodumo, real name Bongekile Simelane, had an emotional moment on Sunday, 15 December, when she broke down in tears while remembering her late husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo.
The touching moment occurred during her performance at the 10th annual INK-KASI Xperience at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, north of Durban.
A Painful Memory Close to Christmas
Mampintsha, a member of the iconic kwaito group Big NUZ, tragically passed away on 24 December 2022, just a day before Christmas. For Babes, this loss has left an indelible mark on her holiday celebrations, which now bring back painful memories of her husband’s death.
Speaking to the audience during her performance, Babes opened up about her grief and how the festive season has become a challenging time for her.
“Mampintsha died on 24 December, and I can’t enjoy Christmas on 25 December. Please pray for me and give me love,” she said, visibly emotional as she addressed her fans.
A Special Tribute to Mampintsha
Babes Wodumo’s performance at the event was met with an unexpected yet heartfelt surprise. Event organizer Philani “Splash” Ngwenya paid tribute to Mampintsha by presenting Babes with a beautifully crafted portrait of her late husband. The gesture overwhelmed Babes, who broke down in tears as some of Mampintsha’s songs played in the background.
Splash explained the significance of remembering Mampintsha, not only as a tribute to his impact on Babes’ life but also to honor his contributions to the event itself.
“We have this biggest event here because of Mampintsha. He is the one who said the event must happen in KwaMashu. I realized that we should remember him, and we decided to surprise Babes Wodumo,” he said.
The heartfelt moment was a reminder of Mampintsha’s enduring influence on the music industry and the community of KwaMashu, where he encouraged the establishment of the INK-KASI Xperience a decade ago.
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Babes Wodumo’s Grief and Resilience
Despite her grief, Babes Wodumo continues to show remarkable resilience. Since Mampintsha‘s passing, she has publicly shared her journey of mourning while still finding the strength to perform for her fans.
The singer has previously expressed how deeply her husband’s death affected her, particularly as they were not only life partners but also frequent collaborators in music. Mampintsha was instrumental in shaping Babes Wodumo’s career, and their chemistry as both a couple and musical partners was evident to fans.
Her candid admission of struggling with Christmas celebrations reflects her ongoing process of healing. Babes’ request for love and prayers from her fans highlights the importance of community support in times of loss.
Mampintsha’s Legacy Lives On
Mampintsha’s influence on South African music, particularly in the kwaito and gqom genres, remains unparalleled. As a member of Big NUZ, he was part of some of the biggest hits in the country’s music history, shaping the sound of an era.
His legacy also extends beyond music, as demonstrated by his role in bringing the INK-KASI Xperience to KwaMashu. The annual event has become a significant cultural celebration in the community, drawing large crowds and showcasing local talent.
Splash’s decision to honor Mampintsha during the 10th anniversary of the event underscores how deeply he is missed by those who knew and worked with him.
A Community Stands Together
Babes Wodumo’s emotional moment at the INK-KASI Xperience not only highlighted her personal grief but also brought the community together in remembering a beloved figure. The crowd’s support and Splash’s thoughtful tribute reflected the unity and love that Mampintsha inspired.
As Babes continues to navigate her loss, she remains an emblem of strength for her fans. Her ability to perform while still honoring Mampintsha’s memory is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft.
Moving Forward with Love and Support
The tribute to Mampintsha at the INK-KASI Xperience served as a reminder of the importance of remembering those who have left a lasting impact on our lives. For Babes Wodumo, the journey of healing continues, but with the love of her fans and community, she is not alone.
As the festive season approaches, Babes’ plea for prayers and love resonates with many who face similar challenges during this time. Her courage in sharing her grief publicly provides inspiration and reminds us of the power of community in times of loss.
Mampintsha’s memory lives on through his music, his contributions to the community, and the unwavering love of those he left behind.
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