About

Bongekile Simelane commonly known by her stage name Babes Wodumo, burst into the music scene in 2016 with her hit single ‘Wololo’. Since then, Babes has continued to rise and has collected multiple awards. Combining this with her talents as a dancer and choreographer, no wonder Babes has claimed her spot as the Queen of Gqom.

Personal Life

Babes were named Bongekile Simelane by her family. She got the nickname “Babes” from her father after she was born.

He thought her eyes looked similar to those of a member of “The Babes” group. Her excellence in dance, singing, acting, athletics, and football was how she gained the name “Wodumo”.

Babes Wodumo was born on 26 July 1994 in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This means that in 2022, she is 28 years old. Growing up, her parents never approved of her interest in joining the entertainment industry.

They wanted her to become a social worker because she was also passionate about helping people in society, especially the elderly.

Over time, the talented Wodumo focused on her dancing and eventually got support from her family, which helped her develop her skills and grow as an artist.

Babes Wodumo’s Career

Babes’ career began in 2014. Desha was the first song by Babes Wodumo to go big. This debut track was produced by Sir Buzin in 2014.

It took her till 2016 to release her debut album, featuring the hit song Wololo which earned her the title “Gqom Queen”. One of Babe Wodumo’s songs that was a hit, Fakaza, is one of the fans’ favorites.

Hit Songs And Albums By Babes Wodumo

By 2017, the awards started flooding in for Babes. Her work helped her get featured on the Black Panther album by Kendrick Lamar.

Babes Wodumo’s new song, eLamont, was released as the lead single of the album and featured Mampintsha and Skillz.

The song ranked number 3 on the SA iTunes Charts. The album has been nominated at the 27th South African Music Awards under a few different categories.

Does Babes Wodumo Have Any Other Businesses?

Babes opened West Ink Dance Academy, which she owns and manages. She teaches the art of choreography as well as dance routines.

Babes has had the chance to work with several artists on their choreography or dances. Some of these big names include the likes of Dj Tira, Big Nuz, Nikki Williams, Kendrick Lamar, and many more.

Babes Wodumo’s Family

Bongekile Simelane, later named Babes Wodumo, was raised by her father, Reverend Welcome Simelane.

He was the head of Lamontville Mount Zion Faith Mission. Babes grew up with her only sister, Nonduh Simelane, and showed a keen interest in singing and dancing.

Babes Wodumo’s Relationships

The show will give fans exclusive viewing into their highly controversial relationship. Part of the trailer shows clips of their pre-wedding negotiations. Fans are excited to see what’s in store!

Does Babes Wodumo Have A Child?

Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha with their baby | Source: InstagramYes, Babes Wodumo has a child. After their glamorous wedding, Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha welcomed their first child, a boy nicknamed Spontshi in June 2021.

Babes Wodumo’s Controversy

Why Is Babes And Mampintsha’s Relationship Controversial?

Mampintsha and Babes Wodumo’s marriage has been a topic of controversy. It was heavily criticized for being unhealthy, with allegations of abuse that have circulated since 2018.

The pair, however, didn’t lose heart and proclaimed their love for one another in a very cringy video posted to social media of themselves in a hot tub.

Why Was Mampintsha Accused Of Abusing Babes?

The controversy began when Babes and Mampintsha were dating. Fans got concerned when the star posted a video on her social media of a man physically assaulting a woman. Many concluded it was Mampintsha. The video went viral and fans rallied behind Babes, encouraging her to press charges.

In 2018, during an interview with Metro FM’s host Mashechaba Ndlovu, Babes revealed that she was a victim of abuse. This led to outrage amongst fans as well as Mampintsha himself.

Mampintsha responded to the controversial interview. He admitted to having overreacted in certain instances but denied allegations of abuse. He swore that he loves Babes and that his aim was never to harm her during the moments he overreacted.

“I am no saint nor do I plead absolute innocence in the claims made in that interview. I may have overreacted in a couple of incidents during our relationship with her over certain things I will not be comfortable discussing in the public domain. As for the accuracy of the abuse claims, the build-up to the interview, the motive, and the timing … is a matter I will leave to fate,” Mampintsha told The Times.

Reactions To Babes And Mampintsha’s Abuse Controversy

Babes’ Father, Reverend Welcome Simelane, released a media statement. He said that the family was grateful for the way Mandla had groomed Babes to become the woman she is today.

“After all, we thank Mandla Maphumulo for discovering talent in Babes and grooming her to be where she currently is. We thank all those who supported our daughter. It truly showed how much she is loved”.

Celebrities also expressed their sentiments on the matter. The likes of Cassper Nyovest, Boity Thulo, Amanda Black, and even Pearl Thusi spoke against gender-based abuse and domestic violence.

Eventually, Babes dropped the charges against her husband, but this time around, Reverend Welcome decided to stay silent and keep his distance.

What Has Happened Between Lady Zamar And Babes Wodumo?

Babes was accused of cyberbullying Lady Zamar after she talked about the cyberbullying she experienced at the hands of Babes Wodumo.

“I didn’t even know the meaning of the names she called me, but I eventually learned that one of them is a b***h who goes around sleeping with different men to the point where her vagina is worn out,” she said.

Despite Babes’ denial, The Collide hit singer exposed how the musician had shared mean remarks regarding her skin caused by her acne.

Does Babes Wodumo Make Violent Statements?

The Gqom artist got in trouble again when she tweeted: “that if people get beat up by the policemen during the lockdown, they should retaliate”. This didn’t go down too well with many on Twitter.

Babes, alongside her sister and Muso Tipcee, were once accused of beating up an unknown woman from Durban. Babes was summoned to court as a result.

She was pictured doing the vosho outside the court and posing for photos which she uploaded to her social media account.

There was also controversy when Babes Wodumo posted a photo of herself that revealed her drastic weight loss and unkempt appearance. Wodumo’s weight loss photo went viral when Babes tweeted, “Pray for me”.

Babes Wodumo’s Cars

Babes Wodumo has made it big in just a space of a few years. To prove it to us, Babes Wodumo’s cars include a Mercedes Benz V-Class, 2019 model which is estimated to cost R1 300 000. The new ride in her collection is the Audi S7 which has a market price of R1 100 000.

Babes Wodumo’s House

While Babes is happily married now and living under Mampintsha’s roof, this doesn’t mean the girl can’t buy her own house.

The dancer bought her parents, Mbongeni and Thokozile Simelane, a cushy little crib in Glenwood, Durban. This was her way of thanking her parents for finally agreeing to her career in entertainment after years of disapproval.

Babes Wodumo’s Net Worth

With her income from the West Inc company and her musical career which has generated money for her with touring, shows, and performances, Babes Wodumo’s net worth is estimated to be over R5 million.

Awards & Recognition

2021: 27th South African Music Awards, potential nomination for Best Gqom Album, Idando Kazi

2019: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation – Black Panther in  Best Dance Album, Gqom Queen Vol. 1

2018: The All African Music Awards, nominated for Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa

2017: The 23rd South African Music Awards BET Award for Best International Act: Africa for Best New Artist, Gqom Queen Vol. 1

2016: MTV Music Awards for Song of the Year

2017: Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards Best Female Artist, Gqom Queen Vol. 1

2017: 16th Metro FM Music Awards in Best Kwaito Album, Gqom Queen, Vol. 1, at the 23rd South African Music Awards in 2017

2017: Best Female Artist of the year at the 23rd South African Music Awards

2017: The 16th Metro FM Music Awards for Song of the Year, Wololo, at the 16th Metro FM Music Awards Newcomer of the Year, Gqom Queen, Vol. 1.

Social Media

Babes Wodumo’s Instagram: @BabesWodumo_Hive

Babes Wodumo’s Twitter: @BabesWodumo

Q&A

Where does babes Wodumo come from?

Babes Wodumo is South African and was born in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Does Mampintsha have a child?

Yes, Mampintsha and Babes Wodumo had their first child in June 2021. It’s a boy they named Spontshi Wodumo.

Is Mampintsha still dating babes Wodumo?

Mampintsha and Babes Wodumo got married in an opulent traditional wedding ceremony in 2021. Despite the many controversies that have rocked their relationship, the two remain married.

What is Babes Wodumo’s worth?

Babes Wodumo is estimated to be worth about 5 million Rand or $327,000. She makes this from her career as a musician – her tours, shows and performances.