Social media has erupted with debate following reports that DJ Tira is pushing ahead with his new artist, Captain — who many fans claim bears an uncanny resemblance in style, sound and performance to the late Mampintsha, the iconic member of kwaito group Big Nuz.
Earlier this year, musician Babes Wodumo — Mampintsha’s widow — publicly confronted DJ Tira, accusing him of disrespecting her late husband’s legacy. In a viral Instagram Live video, Babes criticised Tira for introducing Captain under his Afrotainment label, claiming the artist was a “copy-paste” version of Mampintsha.
“He’s not only inspired by Mampintsha — he is Mampintsha 2.0. You can’t replace someone like that,” Babes said during the live video, her frustration evident.
Despite her emotional plea, DJ Tira appears to have continued with his plans. Captain has been performing across the country and is set to feature on Afrotainment’s upcoming summer compilation album. His stage presence, vocal style and dance moves have all drawn comparisons to the late musician — something fans and critics continue to argue about online.
Many supporters of Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha have taken to social media to express outrage, accusing DJ Tira of being insensitive.
“How do you go from working with Big Nuz to creating a clone? This is so wrong,” one user wrote on X.
Another added: “Babes Wodumo is grieving, and instead of supporting her, DJ Tira introduces a replica of her husband? Make it make sense.”
@i_am_one_chan DJ Tira is working on new music and prepares to launch Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha from Temu,#viralvideos #sassa #southafricatiktok #SAMA28
While DJ Tira has yet to address the criticism directly, insiders close to Afrotainment have defended the label’s decision. They insist that Captain is not an imitation, but rather a young artist influenced by kwaito legends who came before him.
“Captain has always admired kwaito legends like Mampintsha, and it’s no secret Big Nuz paved the way. But he’s here to tell his own story,” said a source close to the label.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Babes Wodumo, who is still mourning the death of her husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, who passed away in December 2022 following a minor stroke.
In recent weeks, Babes has been noticeably quiet on social media, only resurfacing occasionally to repost fan messages and comments questioning DJ Tira’s actions.
Meanwhile, DJ Tira has continued to promote his latest music project, Izinsimbi zaMakoya, which dropped this week. Despite the backlash, he seems determined to keep his focus on his business and the artists under his wing.
For now, the debate continues to divide fans — with some insisting that Captain’s rise is a heartfelt tribute to Mampintsha’s influence, while others view it as an insensitive move that reopens old wounds for Babes Wodumo.
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