Babes Wodumo emotionally honors her late husband, Mampintsha, during a tribute at the INK-KASI Xperience, sharing her grief and receiving a heartfelt surprise portrait of him.

Babes Wodumo, the beloved South African Gqom artist, left fans in tears on Sunday, December 15, 2024, as she took the stage at the 10th annual INK-KASI Xperience at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.

The powerful tribute she gave to her late husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, was a moment that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.

Mampintsha, a member of the iconic group Big NUZ, tragically passed away in December 2022, and his untimely death has left a lasting mark on Babes Wodumo’s life and her music career.

As she performed, Babes couldn’t hold back her emotions. She broke down in front of the crowd, explaining how the holiday season would never be the same for her since Mampintsha’s passing just a day before Christmas.

“Mampintsha died on 24 December, and I can’t enjoy Christmas on 25 December,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“Please pray for me and give me love,” she pleaded, moving fans with her raw vulnerability and grief.

But it wasn’t just Babes Wodumo’s words that moved the audience. During her emotional performance, she was surprised by an unexpected tribute from Philani “Splash” Ngwenya, the event organizer.

Splash, recognizing Mampintsha’s profound impact on the local music scene and the inception of the INK-KASI Xperience, presented Babes with a beautifully crafted portrait of her late husband.

Along with the portrait, a playlist of Mampintsha’s iconic songs was played, further amplifying the emotional atmosphere of the event.

Babes was overwhelmed with emotion, unable to hold back the tears as she embraced the portrait.

Splash shared his reasoning behind the tribute, revealing how Mampintsha had been instrumental in getting the INK-KASI Xperience to take place in KwaMashu 10 years ago. “We have this biggest event here because of Mampintsha,” he explained.

“He was the one who suggested it should take place in KwaMashu. I felt it was only right to remember him and decided to surprise Babes Wodumo with this tribute.

” His words underscored the enduring impact Mampintsha had on both the event and the community, and how his legacy continues to be cherished by those who knew him.

The audience was equally moved by the tribute, and Babes was clearly touched by the outpouring of support. As she held the portrait, she expressed her gratitude to the fans and the event organizers for their overwhelming love and support.

However, despite the kind gestures, Babes confessed that coping with the loss of her husband remains a daily struggle.

“It’s not easy,” she admitted, her voice shaking as she spoke about her grief.

Mampintsha’s death left an undeniable void in the South African music industry.

His influence on the Gqom genre, both as a member of Big NUZ and as a solo artist, continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Mampintsha was an integral figure in shaping the sound of South African dance music, and his contributions to the industry are still deeply felt.

Babes Wodumo, who herself is a prominent figure in the Gqom scene, has carried on Mampintsha’s legacy through her music, while also trying to navigate life without him.

The INK-KASI Xperience, which started as a celebration of the local music scene, turned into an event that honored Mampintsha’s memory. With Splash’s tribute and Babes’ heartfelt words, the event served as a reminder of Mampintsha’s far-reaching impact.

The festival became a platform to celebrate his life and contributions to music, while also giving fans a chance to reflect on the legacy he left behind.

As the festive season approaches, Babes Wodumo continues to honor her late husband’s memory while also focusing on her career and personal healing.

Her emotional vulnerability and openness with her fans only highlight the deep connection she shares with her audience.

It’s clear that despite the heartbreak, she is determined to push forward and find strength in the love and support of her fans.

The tribute to Mampintsha was a poignant reminder of the powerful bond between Babes Wodumo and her late husband, and how music has a way of keeping loved ones alive in the hearts of those who knew them.

As Babes Wodumo moves forward, the tribute at the INK-KASI Xperience serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Mampintsha and the love that will never fade.