Babes Wodumo, Mampintsha

Photo: Oupa Bopape

Award-winning musician and member of Big Nuz Mandla ‘Mampintsha’ Maphumulo has shared the first photo of his son, affectionately referred to as Sponge Wodumo.

Maphumulo shares his son with Bongekile Simelane, better known as Babes Wodumo. The couple, whose reality show Uthando Lodumo returned to Showmax for a second season this month, welcomed their son in June 2021.

Mandla ‘Mampintsha’ Maphumulo, an acclaimed South African musician and a member of the popular Gqom group Big Nuz, recently shared a heartwarming glimpse into his life as a father.

Known for his dynamic music career and his high-profile relationship with fellow musician Bongekile Simelane, better known as Babes Wodumo, Mampintsha’s posts featured their son, endearingly called Sponge Wodumo, for the first time. The reveal marked a special occasion for fans, as the family had previously kept their child’s image private for his protection.

The couple, whose love story and challenges have been public knowledge, welcomed their son in June 2021. As they step into parenthood together, they’ve faced numerous ups and downs, many of which are now highlighted in their reality show Uthando Lodumo, which returned for its second season on Showmax this month.

The show offers viewers an intimate look at their personal lives, their experiences as parents, and the journey they’ve undertaken to balance family life with the demands of their careers.

He shared multiple snaps from Sponge’s first birthday celebration in another post.

In the latest season of the family of three’s reality show, viewers get to see what life has been like for the couple and the story behind some of the contentious headlines in the past year and how the couple’s careers are evolving.

Mampintsha recently shared a series of images from Sponge’s first birthday celebration, showing the love and joy that the couple feels for their son. This special celebration came as a long-awaited reveal for fans, who have followed the couple’s journey closely, and added a new chapter to their relationship’s narrative.

For many, this was a touching moment, as it provided a rare glimpse into a private aspect of their lives that had previously been shielded from the public eye.

The latest season of Uthando Lodumo dives into some of the controversial headlines that the couple faced over the past year, giving fans a behind-the-scenes view of how they have dealt with personal and professional challenges.

From family feuds to relationship obstacles, the couple has not shied away from addressing real issues, allowing fans to see both the highs and lows of their journey. Their story has resonated deeply with viewers, not only because of their fame but also due to the authenticity with which they’ve shared their struggles.

The decision to introduce Sponge to the world after a year of keeping him out of the public eye reflects the couple’s desire to protect their child from the sometimes harsh world of social media and fame.

Babes Wodumo, in previous interviews and episodes, explained her fears around revealing their son too soon, sharing her belief that young children are vulnerable to outside influences, including cultural superstitions she is cautious of. This decision was driven by her motherly instincts and the protective nature of both parents, who wanted to ensure their son’s safety above all else.

The return of Uthando Lodumo has not only allowed fans to engage with the personal lives of Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha but has also inspired conversation around the realities of fame, family pressures, and parenting under the public eye.

It highlights the complexities of their lives and the way they navigate both personal boundaries and public expectation, adding a more profound layer to their public personas. The love they have for Sponge and their commitment to each other’s growth is evident in each episode, giving viewers insight into the heart of one of South Africa’s most talked-about couples.

Ultimately, the couple’s journey is a story of resilience, love, and family. By sharing their experiences on Uthando Lodumo, Babes and Mampintsha continue to offer a rare, transparent glimpse into their world, one that resonates with their fans and shines a light on the beautiful, challenging, and sometimes messy reality of balancing fame, family, and personal beliefs.