Johannesburg – Gqom superstar Babes Wodumo, real name Bongekile Simelane, is at the centre of a controversy after allegedly storming the offices of television channel Moja Love, accompanied by a group of individuals, to demand a higher payment for her reality show.
The alleged incident follows Showmax's decision not to renew "Uthando Lodumo," the reality show documenting the lives of Babes Wodumo and her late husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, for a third season. "Uthando Lodumo" aired for two seasons on Showmax, starting in 2021, before being discontinued following Mampintsha's tragic death in December 2022.
After Mampintsha's passing, Babes Wodumo reportedly gave her consent for the production team to pitch a third season of the show to Moja Love.
A source close to the production team revealed that Showmax and the show’s team failed to reach an agreement for the third season. As a result, Babes Wodumo gave her consent for the production team to pitch the show to Moja Love instead.
“Moja Love agreed to produce a third season of the show but for far less than what Showmax had originally offered. Matters came to a head when Babes, after first agreeing to terms with Moja Love, stormed their offices accompanied by thugs to demand that her pay be increased and that she also be paid on Mampintsha’s behalf, arguing that he was central to the original show’s commissioning,” said the deep throat.
The alleged altercation between Babes Wodumo and CEO of Moja Love Aubrey Tau took place early this year while the team was shooting the show.
In the wake of Mampintsha's death, Babes approached Thomas Gumede, who produced and directed "Uthando Lodumo" through his production company, Parental Advisory, with a request to document her new reality amid heartbreak and change. This led to the creation of "Wena Wodumo," which debuted on Moja Love on March 29th.
Gumede, who dons the role of producer for the third season that debuted on Saturday (29 March), reveals that Babes approached him after Mampintsha's death with a request to document her new reality amid heartbreak and change.
"We had shot two seasons of her, and Mampintsha's reality show Uthando Lodumo which were very successful on Showmax, and so when Mampintsha passed away before we could do Season 3, Babes asked me to come and shoot her journey of losing her husband and how she will pick up the pieces. It made me realise that the only way I can contribute as Mampintsha's friend is to shoot whatever she is going through, which would ultimately create a source of income for her and her son, Sponge."
Gumede's bond with Babes stretches back years before her rise to fame. Having first worked with her in 2015 while shooting Ezase Afro for Mzansi Magic, their relationship transcends the typical producer-talent dynamic.
"By the time we shot Uthando Lodumo, I was not just a producer but a friend and confidant. Also, Babes is very honest; if you keep it real with her, she keeps it real with you."
Babes' candid nature formed the foundation of trust for their collaboration, with Thomas describing her as someone who exudes authenticity, both on screen and off.
"She has the ultimate X factor, like Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa. She is not only talented, but she is unapologetically herself whether you like it or not. This also makes her very sensitive and therefore relatable."
Sunday World reached out to Babes Wodumo but failed to get hold of her. When approached for comment, her sister and manager, Nondumiso Simelane, denied the claims. She ssaid they were all lies. “I cannot believe they would lie like that. Moja Love would never allow such. Please get facts before printing."
Meanwhile, "Uthando Lodumo" had South Africans on the edge of their seats: Bongekile "Babes Wodumo" Simelane and Mandla "Mampintsha" Maphumulo were at their peak in music and romantically.
Although they were together for years, they became official when the late artist proposed to Babes live on Gagasi FM in 2020.
The couple then let the country into their lives with two seasons of their reality show, "Uthando Lodumo". The seasons aired on Showmax in 2021 and 2022.
The reality show followed the proposal, marriage counselling, lobola negotiations, pregnancy and the April 2021 traditional wedding. "Uthando Lodumo" was produced and directed by Thomas Gumede and Lungile Radu through their production company, Parental Advisory.
Mampintsha died on 24 December 2022 after having a stroke and Babes had to navigate life without him, carrying on with the music legacy, raising their son, and living under the macroscopic view of the public.
The show dives deep into personal moments, including revelations from Mampintsha's phone and family disputes over possessions and his estate.
Gumede admitted that filming the raw moments was daunting but he knew he needed to remain true to the story.
"Honestly, it was so daunting that I had to ask Mampintsha posthumously if I should film all this drama surrounding his passing. I heard him say to me in his famous voice: "Nigga qubeka, ngifuna ukutrenda noma ngifile! (Nigga carry on, I want to trend even when I'm dead!)" From there, I just decided that whenever things get tough or awkward, I must channel Mampintsha, and I'll be fine."
Gumede hopes the show will allow audiences to empathise with Babes and others who have faced similar losses.
"I hope they will be inspired. I also hope they can support her in her journey even more now that they experience what she is going through first-hand."
The show reveals Babes Wodumo's balancing act of raising her son, sustaining Mampintsha's music legacy, and serving as the breadwinner for her family—all while navigating grief and public scrutiny. However, Gumede praises her unwavering spirit, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
"Babes is the same on and off screen. She doesn't perform for the cameras. The cameras perform for her."
While Wena Wodumo promises emotional revelations, Gumede emphasises that it's also a homage to gqom music and its vibrant culture.
"The whole show is a key moment. It's a slice of life from the perspective of one of the key figures in a huge music culture (gqom)."
As a producer who cherishes honouring commitments, Thomas says bringing Babes' story to life has been deeply rewarding.
"It's important to be a man of your word, no matter the challenges and tests that come your way. Once I have promised to do something, only God can stop me from doing it. With that said, I will support Babes in any decision she wants to take about the show going forward."
Wena Wodumo debuted on 29 March at 20:30 on Moja Love, DStv 157.
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