Babes Wodumo Net Worth, Bio, Age, Husband, Career

Babes Wodumo Bio, Wiki

Bongekile Maphumulo, widely recognized as Babes Wodumo, is a South African gqom artist and choreographer who gained prominence with the release of her breakout track “Wololo” in 2016.

This song was later featured on her debut studio album, “Gqom Queen,” which came out in late 2016.

Wodumo is among the influential figures in the music scene who played a pivotal role in elevating the genre to international acclaim. Notable individuals in this effort included South African rapper Okmalumkoolkat, Italian record label Gqom Oh owner Malumqawz Kole, music tastemaker and public relations liaison Cherish Lala Mankai, and Afrotainment record label owner DJ Tira. She also made an appearance on the “Black Panther: The Album,” contributing to a track called “Redemption.”

In 2017, Wodumo received a nomination for the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa. In July 2020, she released her second album, “Idando Kazi,” featuring the hit single “Elamont” featuring Mampintsha and Skillz.

Babes Wodumo Age

Wodumo was born (Bongekile Mildred Simelane) on March 25, 1994, in Durban, South Africa. In 2023, she is 29 years old.

Babes Wodumo Height

Wodumo’s height is 5 feet 6 inches, which is equivalent to 1.6 meters.

Babes Wodumo Family

Bongekile was born to Welcome and Thokozile Simelane. Her father is Bishop Welcome Simelane, the leader of the Lamontville Mount Zion Faith Mission. She also has a sister named Nonduh Simelane.

Babes Wodumo Husband

Domestic violence case

On March 3, 2019, there were reports that Wodumo’s boyfriend and manager, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, had physically assaulted her. Wodumo live-streamed the incident on Instagram. Mampintsha was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault. Despite the apparent end of their relationship, both individuals decided to undergo counseling, reconciled, and are now on good terms. Mampintsha even made an appearance on her second album, “Idando Kazi.”

Husband and Children

Wodumo tied the knot with Mandla Maphumulo in 2020. In 2021, they welcomed their first child, a secret kept from Babes’ parents. The couple starred in their own reality show titled “uthando lodumo,” which debuted on the Showmax channel (495). Tragically, Mandla Maphumulo passed away in December 2022, succumbing to a stroke.

Babes Wodumo Career

2014-2019: Career beginnings, breakthrough, Black Panther

In 2014, she unveiled her debut song titled “Desha,” which was produced by Sir Bubzin. Following her signing of a record deal with West Ink, she achieved a major breakthrough with her hit single “Wololo” featuring Mampintsha, which was released in December 2015 in South Africa. This song earned her nominations for Best Breakthrough Artist and Song of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards.

Her first studio album, “Gqom Queen Vol. 1,” infused with Gqom music, was subsequently released. The album included three successful singles: “Wololo,” “Umgan Wami,” and “Mercedes.” Upon its release, the album garnered over 28 million streams and debuted at number 3 on the iTunes charts. It achieved platinum certification (RiSA) in South Africa, with sales reaching 300,000 units.

Her album opened doors for her to be featured on the “Black Panther” soundtrack album by Kendrick Lamar.

2020-present: Idando Kazi

On July 24, 2020, she released her second studio album, “Idando Kazi,” under the management of Sabusiswa Genius Ncube at West Ink Records. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Mampintsha, Skillz, T.N.S, Madanon, Worst Behavior, and many others. The lead single from the album, “eLamont,” featuring Mampintsha and Skillz, debuted at number 3 on the South African iTunes charts.

Wodumo received an outpouring of congratulations on her timeline after announcing the significant success of her debut album, “Gqom Queen Vol 1.”

The singer, along with her partner Mampintsha, who is the boss of West Ink Records, shared the exciting news on social media.

At the 27th South African Music Awards, “Idando Kazi” received nominations. In 2021, she and her husband launched their reality show, “Uthando Lodumo,” which airs on Showmax.

Studio albums

In 2016, Wodumo released her breakthrough album, featuring Mampintsha in all the songs on the project. The album also included collaborations with Nigerian superstar D’banj, Madanon, Cassper Nyovest, DJ Sox, Sparks Wabantwana, Scoop, Kholwane, Khuzani, Danger, and DJ Tira.

In July 2020, she released her second project titled “Indando Kazi,” where she predominantly collaborated with Mampintsha on 10 out of the 13 tracks. Other featured artists on the album include RockBoy, Cultivated Soulz & Sizwe Mdlalose, Rhythm Soundz, Dladla Mshunqisi, her lifelong friend Madanon, and Tipcee, among others.

Awards

Babes Wodumo Net Worth

She has an estimated net worth of between $1 Million – $5 Million which she has earned through her career.