Emotional Tribute at INK-KASI Xperience

On Sunday, 15 December, Babes Wodumo, the beloved Gqom artist, moved fans to tears during her performance at the 10th annual INK-KASI Xperience held at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, north of Durban. The singer opened up about her grief, recalling the loss of her late husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, a member of the popular group Big NUZ, who passed away in December 2022.

Breaking down in front of her audience, Babes shared her struggles, stating that Christmas would no longer be the same for her since Mampintsha died just a day before the festive holiday. “Mampintsha died on 24 December, and I can’t enjoy Christmas on 25 December. Please pray for me and give me love,” she pleaded.

A Heartfelt Surprise for Babes Wodumo
During her performance, Babes received a touching tribute from the event organizer, Philani “Splash” Ngwenya. To honor Mampintsha’s memory, Splash presented Babes with a beautifully crafted portrait of her late husband, accompanied by a playlist of some of his iconic songs. The emotional moment was overwhelming for Babes, who could not hold back her tears as she held the portrait.

Speaking on his decision to honor Mampintsha, Splash revealed the late musician’s significant role in the inception of the INK-KASI Xperience. “We have this biggest event here because of Mampintsha. He was the one who suggested it should take place in KwaMashu 10 years ago. I felt it was only right to remember him and decided to surprise Babes Wodumo,” he explained.

Fans Show Support for Babes Wodumo
Fans at the event were equally moved and showed their love and support for Babes during the heartfelt tribute. Babes, whose real name is Bongekile Simelane, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming kindness from her fans and the organizers. However, she admitted that coping with the loss remains a daily struggle.

Mampintsha’s untimely passing left a void not only in Babes’ life but also in the South African music industry. His contributions to the Gqom genre and his role in the success of Big NUZ remain celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.

A Legacy Remembered
The INK-KASI Xperience turned into a celebration of Mampintsha’s legacy, reminding attendees of his impact on the music scene and the community of KwaMashu. Splash’s decision to incorporate a tribute to Mampintsha was praised as a beautiful way of keeping his memory alive.

As the festive season approaches, Babes Wodumo continues to navigate life without her beloved husband. Her resilience and strength in sharing her vulnerability with her fans highlight the deep connection she shares with her audience.