Babes Wodumo facts for kids

Bongekile Mildred Simelane (born 25 March 1994) prominently known as Babes Wodumo, is a South African singer-songwriter and choreographer. She rose to fame following the release of her breakthrough single "Wololo" taken from her debut studio album Gqom Queen, Vol. 1 (2016).

Babes Wodumo is a part of the music connoisseurs who were pivotal in influencing the genre's international acclaim included the likes of South African rapper Okmalumkoolkat, Italian record label Gqom Oh owner, Malumz Kole inclusive of music taste-maker and public relations liaison, Cherish Lala Mankai and Afrotainment record label owner DJ Tira. She appeared on Black Panther: The Album on a song called "Redemption". In 2017, Wodumo was nominated for the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa. In July 2020, she released her second album Idando Kazi with the hit single Elamont ft Mampintsha and skillz.

Life and career

1994-2013: Early childhood

Bongekile Mildred Simelane was born in March 25, 1994, Lamontville, Durban. Her father Welcome Simelane is a Bishop.

2014-2019: Career beginnings, breakthrough, Black Panther

She released her first song titled "Desha" produced by Sir Bubzin, In 2014. After she signed a record deal with West Ink, her breakthrough hit single "Wololo" featuring Mampintsha was released in December 2015 in South Africa. The song earned her nomination for Best Breakthrough Artist and Song of the Year at MTV Africa Music Awards.

Her debut studio album Gqom Queen Vol. 1 blended with Gqom was released. The album proceeded with three singles "Wololo", "Umgan Wami" and "Mercedes". Upon its release the song surpassed 28 million streams and debuted at number 3 on iTunes charts. The album was certified platinum (RiSA) for South Africa sales 30 0000.

Her album created her the opportunity to feature on the Black Panther album by Kendrick Lamar.

2020-present: Idando Kazi

On 24 July 2020, she released her second studio album Idando Kazi‘’under Sabusiswa Genius Ncube’s Management at West Ink Records, features Mampintsha, Skillz, T.N.S,Madanon,Worst Behavior and many others. The "eLamont" was released as the lead single of the album features Mampintsha and Skillz debuted at number 3 on South African iTunes charts.

Babes Wodumo got congratulations flood her timeline after announcing the huge win her debut album, Gqom Queen Vol 1 bagged.

The singer alongside her lover, Mampintsha, who is West Ink record label boss, announced the exciting news on social media.

At 27th South African Music Awards Idando Kazi received a nominations. In 2021 she and his husband launched their reality show Uthando Lodumo which airs on Showmax.

Personal life

Marriage and children

Babes Wodumo married Mandla Maphumulo in 2020. In 2021 they had their first child, even though Babes' parents didn't know. They have a reality show, "Uthando Lodumo," which premiered on Showmax channel (495). Her husband later passed away in December 2022, due to a stroke

SAMAs

In 2017, Wodumo was the most nominated artist at the 23rd South African Music Awards. However, she did not win any award, and this led to an altercation after the singer accused the personnel from the SAMA 23 of buying awards.

Discography

Studio albums

In 2016, Babes released her breakthrough album where she featured Mampintsha in all the songs on the project. The album also features Nigerian superstar D'banj, Madanon, Cassper Nyovest, DJ Sox, Sparks Wabantwana, Scoop, Kholwane, Khuzani, Danger, and DJ Tira

In July 2020, she released her second project, titled Indando Kazi, where she featured mostly Mampintsha on 10 out of the 13 tracks. Other artists include RockBoy, Cultivated Soulz & Sizwe Mdlalose, Rhythm Soundz, Dladla Mshunqisi, Her all time friend Madanon and Tipcee, among others.

Singles

Awards and nominations