Award-winning gqom singer Babes Wodumo — real name Bongekile Simelane – has indirectly responded to rumours she is in a relationship with fellow musician Sabelo Zuma.
The Wololo hitmaker, who lost her husband Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo over a year ago, also briefly addressed body shaming comments following her weight-gain — ZiMoja reports.
BABES WODUMA IS STILL MOURNING MAMPINTSHA AMID REPORTS SHE’S DATING ZUMA
“I am still mourning my husband. Other days are tough, but every day I am fighting. I have a child to take care of and my family is my priority.”
Mampintsha, who was a Big Nuz member, passed away on 24 December 2022 after suffering from a stroke. The kwaito star and Babes share a two-year-old son named Hlelolenkosi “Sponge” Maphumulo.
In February this year, she was rumoured to be dating Zuma, however, fans poured cold water on the claims saying the pair are cousins.
The Shut Up and Groove singer also addressed comments about her visible weight-gain.
“Uyabazi abantu banjani (You know how people are). I am still the same Babes. I am growing up and my body is changing but I dance a lot and take care of myself,” she said.
“No one can take away what God has given me. I will always be a star. You fall once and get up again.
“I have been working on new music with different people, and only time will tell but I want to release music this year.”
HOW SHE FOUND OUT ABOUT HER HUSBAND’S PASSING
In November last year, Babes opened up about her heartbreaking reaction to the news of Mampintsha’s death.
“When I arrived [at the hospital] they had covered him with something white that had a zip,” Babes said as she wiped the tears from her face.
“I said to them ‘my man can’t breathe,’ they unzipped the cadaver bag.”
In addition, Babes shared that Mampintsha used to tell her that she should take a picture of him should he pass away first. She said she told him to do the same should she pass before him.
“I was there, feeling like I’m losing my mind. My sister was there, Icebolethu Funerals was also there. I slept for two hours… For two hours I laid on his chest.
“after two hours, they took him. I left with them and I kept telling them ‘you’re hurting him’. I was not in the right state of mind. I kept looking for cameras, thinking it was all just a prank,” she said.