Babes Wodumo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Babes Wodumo
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| Birth name | Bongekile Mildred Simelane |
| Born | March 25, 1994 Durban, South Africa |
| Genres | Gqom |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2016–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | Major Lazer, Kendrick Lamar |
Bongekile Mildred Simelane, known as Babes Wodumo, is a popular South African singer and dancer. She was born on March 25, 1994. Many people call her the "gqom queen." She helped make gqom music famous around the world.
Babes Wodumo became well-known in 2016. That year, she released her first album, Gqom Queen, Vol. 1. She was even nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act. Her music has been part of big projects. For example, she sang on "Redemption" for Black Panther: The Album by Kendrick Lamar. In 2020, she released her second album, Idando Kazi. This album included the hit song "eLamont".
Contents
About Babes Wodumo
Her Early Life and Music Start
Bongekile Mildred Simelane was born in Lamontville. This town is near Durban, South Africa. Her father, Welcome Simelane, is a Bishop.
She started her music journey in 2014. Her first song was called "Desha". In 2015, she signed with West Ink, a record label. Soon after, she released a very popular song, "Wololo". This song helped her get nominated for awards. One award was Best Breakthrough Artist at the MTV Africa Music Awards.
Becoming the Gqom Queen
After "Wololo" became a hit, Babes Wodumo released her first gqom album. It was called Gqom Queen Vol. 1. This album had other popular songs like "Umgan Wami" and "Mercedes". The album was a huge success. It got over 28 million streams. It also reached number 3 on the iTunes charts. The album was certified platinum in South Africa.
Her music helped introduce the gqom sound to people everywhere. This special music style has fast beats and rhythms. It makes you want to dance.
More Music and TV Shows
In 2020, Babes Wodumo released her second album, Idando Kazi. Many other artists were featured on this album. It included the popular song "eLamont". The album was also nominated for an award. This was at the 27th South African Music Awards.
In 2021, Babes Wodumo and her husband, Mandla Maphumulo, started a reality TV show. It was called Uthando Lodumo. The show aired on Showmax. It let fans see more of their lives.
Her Personal Life
Babes Wodumo married Mandla Maphumulo in 2020. They had their first child in 2021. Sadly, Mandla Maphumulo passed away in December 2022.
Music Albums
Babes Wodumo has released two studio albums:
- Gqom Queen Vol.1 (2016)
- Indando Kazi (2020)
| Title | Album details | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Gqom Queen Vol.1 |
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RiSA: Gold |
| Indando Kazi |
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Popular Songs (Singles)
Babes Wodumo has many popular songs. She often works with other artists. Here are some of them:
| Artist | Featuring | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Mampintsha and Sklliz | eLamont |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Mampintsha, TNS and Skillz | Abadala |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Rhythm Soundz, Dladla Mshunqisi and Tipcee | Angeke |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Mampintsha and Worst Behavior | Corona |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Mampintsha and Drega | Dankie Jack |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Mampintsha, Madanon and Drega | Intombi Yesgebengu |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Mampintsha, RockBoy, Cultivated Soulz and Sizwe Mdlalose | Izitha |
| Babes Wodumo | feat. Native Life, Madanon and Mampintsha | Levels |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Drega and Sizwe Mdlalos | MaTen Ten |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring RockBoy, Madanon and Benzy | Umzimba |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring RockBoy, Madanon and Benzy | Umzimba |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring RockBoy, Madanon and Benzy | Umzimba |
| Babes Wodumo | featuring Newlandz Finest | Ungangyeki |
Awards and Nominations
Babes Wodumo has been recognized for her talent. She has received many awards and nominations.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16th Metro FM Music Awards | Gqom Queen Vol.1 | Best Dance Album | Nominated |
| Gqom Queen Vol.1 | Best Female Album | Nominated | |
| Wololo (feat. Mampintsha & Distruction Boyz | Song Of The Year) | Nominated | |
| 23rd South African Music Awards | Herself | Newcomer Of The Year | Nominated |
| Female Artist Of The Year | Herself | Nominated | |
| Wololo (feat. Mampintsha & Distruction Boyz) | Record Of The Year | Nominated | |
| Gqom Queen Vol.1 | Album of the Year | Nominated | |
| Female Artist Of The Year | Herself | Nominated | |
| MTV Africa Music Awards 2016 | Song Of The Year | Wololo (feat. Mampintsha and Distruction Boyz) | Nominated |
| BET Awards 2017 | Herself | Best International Act: Africa | Nominated |
| Dance Music Awards 2017 | Gqom Queen Vol.1 | Best Dance Female Artist | Won |
| 2017MTV EMA | Herself | Best African Act | Nominated |
| All African Music Awards 2018 | Herself | Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa | Nominated |
| South African Gqom Awards 2019 | Ka Dazz | Song Of The Year | Nominated |
| Herself | Best Female | Won | |
| Ka Dazz | Best Music Video | Nominated | |
| Ka Dazz | Best Music Video Director | Nominated | |
| 27th South African Music Awards | Idando Kazi | Best Gqom Album | Nominated |
