Babes Wodumo

Bongekile Mildred Simelane (born 25 March 1994) prominently known as Babes Wodumo (also gqom queen), is a South African singer-songwriter and choreographer. She rose to fame following the release of her debut album Gqom Queen, Vol. 1 and furthermore subsequently being nominated at the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.

Babes Wodumo is a part of the music connoisseurs who were pivotal in influencing the gqom genre's international acclaim. She appeared on the Black Panther: The Album compilation by Kendrick Lamar on a song titled "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 which included the hit song,"eLamont" featuring Mampintsha (former Big Nuz member) as well as Skillz.

Life and career 1994-2013: Early childhood Bongekile Mildred Simelane was born in March 25, 1994 in 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, one of her hit singles "Wololo" featuring Mampintsha was released in December 2015 in South Africa. The song earned her a nomination for Best Breakthrough Artist and Song of the Year at MTV Africa Music Awards.

Her debut gqom studio album Gqom Queen Vol. 1 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 by the South African record industry trade association (RISA).

2020-present: Idando Kazi In July of year 2020, she released her sophomore studio album Idando Kazi via West Ink Records featuring Mampintsha, Skillz, T.N.S, Madanon, Worst Behavior and many others. "eLamont" was released as the lead single of the album which debuted at number 3 on the South African iTunes charts.

The album was nominated at the 27th South African Music Awards. In 2021 herself and her husband premiered their reality TV show Uthando Lodumo which aired on Showmax.

Personal life Domestic violence case In 2019, reports surfaced that Wodumo's boyfriend and manager Mandla "Mampintsha" Maphumulo had physically assaulted her. Wodumo broadcast the incident on Instagram Live. Mampintsha was arrested on suspicion of assault. Even though the relationship between the two had appeared to be over, both parties agreed to counselling and reconciled and later on appeared to be on good terms. Mampintsha later on featured on her second album, Idando Kazi.

Marriage and children Babes Wodumo married Mandla Maphumulo in 2020. In 2021 they had their first child. Her husband and long-time collaboration partner later died in December 2022, as reported 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

Gqom Queen Vol.1 Indando Kazi Mabhesingo

+List of studio albums Title Album detailsCertificationGqom Queen Vol.1 Released: 2016 Format: Digital download, CD, streaming RiSA: GoldIndando Kazi Released: 2020 Format: Digital download, CD, streaming

Singles 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

Gqom Queen Vol.1 Best Dance Album Gqom Queen Vol.1 Best Female Album Wololo (feat. Mampintsha & Distruction Boyz Song Of The Year)

Herself Newcomer Of The Year Female Artist Of The Year Herself Wololo (feat. Mampintsha & Distruction Boyz) Record Of The Year Gqom Queen Vol.1 Album of the Year Female Artist Of The Year Herself

Song Of The Year Wololo (feat. Mampintsha and Distruction Boyz)

Herself Best International Act: Africa

Gqom Queen Vol.1 Best Dance Female Artist

Herself Best African Act

Herself Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa

Ka Dazz Song Of The Year Herself Best Female Ka Dazz Best Music Video Ka Dazz Best Music Video Director 27th South African Music Awards Idando Kazi Best Gqom Album