Gqom star Babes Wodumo wears a wedding dress at the South African Music Awards.


Image: Instagram

Babes Wodumo occupied trends lists at the weekend after the 30th annual South African Music Awards (Samas) at the Gallagher Convention Centre.

Apart from performing her hit song Wololo at the ceremony, the gqom star turned heads when she walked the red carpet in a white wedding gown.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Babes said the inspiration behind her dress choice was to honour her husband Big Nuz member Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo who died on December 24 2022 after a stroke.

“The reason I wore the dress was to honour Mampintsha because he died when we were still due to have our white wedding. So when the Samas invited me, I thought of him and wore what I could have worn at the wedding,” she said.

“I wish uMampintsha was here so he could walk the red carpet with me.”


Babes Wodumo at the 30th annual South African Music Awards (SAMA) at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
Image: Veli Nhlapo


Babes Wodumo at the #SAMA30 red carpet.
Image: X

In April 2021, the couple, who have a son, had their traditional wedding in KwaZulu-Natal which was filmed for the couple’s Showmax reality show special Uthando Lodumo.

Their white wedding was to be showcased on the show, but Mampintsha’s funeral has instead been captured.

Previously speaking to TshisaLIVE, Babes’ sister Nondumiso Simelane said the singer often caught herself calling out for her sweetheart during her mourning period.

“The sad thing is the bed is empty and she needs to take up more responsibilities. Babes is strong. What I like about her is she didn’t change her character.

“She misses him a lot. She would call for him then realise he is gone.”