Popular Gqom artist Babes Wodumo has voiced her anger over an upcoming tribute event being planned in honour of her late husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo. Taking to her Instagram account on 19 June 2025, Babes accused the event organisers of using Mampintsha’s name to profit without consulting his family or considering their son, Sponge.
The Wololo hitmaker expressed heartbreak over the matter and specifically called on Mampintsha’s longtime friend, DJ Tira, to intervene and prevent people from exploiting her late husband’s legacy.
Mampintsha, a renowned musician and member of Big Nuz, tragically passed away on 24 December 2022. Since his passing, Babes Wodumo has worked tirelessly to continue her career while raising their son. She has also frequently expressed the desire to organise an official tribute to her husband when the time feels appropriate for her and their family.
Reacting to a promotional poster for the planned event, Babes shared her frustration with her followers:
“Nothing breaks my heart and soul more than this industry💔. A tribute to @mampintsha_shimora kodwa akaze kukhulunywe nami. Everyone just wants to use his name for their pockets💔. I’ve been saying I want to do a tribute event for baba ka @sponge_wodumo. Suddenly, everyone wants to host it without consulting me, and this has to STOP!”
Babes emphasized that such actions are not only disrespectful but emotionally damaging to her and her child, who are still navigating the grief of losing a husband and father. She also highlighted the importance of respecting Mampintsha’s memory in a dignified and family-led manner.
Addressing DJ Tira directly, Babes Wodumo pleaded with him to control his team and prevent further exploitation of Mampintsha’s name:
“@djtira, ngicela ukhuze iteam yakho cause we can’t be having the same conversation over and over again. I love you as my brother, but some things I wish you’d stand up for as Mampintsha’s old friend and say, ‘No!’ You won’t be doing it for me or for yourself, but for Sponge. I would do the same for your kids.”
Fans across social media platforms have rallied behind Babes, praising her for handling the matter with maturity and grace. Many commended her for addressing such a sensitive issue respectfully, without resorting to personal attacks.
Comments on her post reflected overwhelming support, with followers offering their assistance should Babes decide to organise her own tribute in the future. One fan wrote: “The maturity in this post 🙌. Listen to her — Babes is raising her child alone👏.” Another added, “Babes, I will support you all the way when you organise a proper tribute for Mampintsha.”
The controversy comes shortly after Babes celebrated Youth Day alongside DJ Tira and other celebrities, showing that despite personal tensions, Babes remains committed to her music career and public appearances.
For now, supporters continue to wait for the official tribute event that Babes Wodumo has promised—one that will truly honour Mampintsha’s legacy in a manner befitting his memory and family.