Friends, fans and family packed the eThekwini Community Church (ECC) in KwaZulu-Natal on 29 December to pay tribute to musician Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo. The 40-year-old award-winning musician died on 24 December after suffering from a stroke. Mampintsha left behind his wife, Babes Wodumo and their son Sponge. While on Mampintsha’s memorial service, his widow, Babes Wodumo, appears in good spirits as she sings and dances along to a Big Nuz song, leaving tounges wagging on social media.
Many people were unhappy that Babes Wodumo was dancing and singing at his husband’s memorial service instead of crying. A Twitterati commented:
She looks happy. This is unlike someone mourning her husband. Her inlaws won’t be so happy with this, serious.
However, others said she hid her pain and tears by singing and dancing. She is honouring her late husband, Mampintsha, by doing what he used to enjoy the most. A Twitter user commented:
Personally I feel like she is putting up a facade. Deep down she wants to break down and cry; behind closed doors, I am sure that everyone can concur with me that she is not dancing and celebrating. Nonetheless, I hope that she heals and finds solace.
Another comment was added;
She’s not in good spirit, how can she be in good spirit after losing her friend, husband, business partner and father to their son? She’s celebrating his life the best way she knows as they’re both in the entertainment industry. She’s mourning her husband in her way
Watch the video of Babes Wodumo dancing at the Mampintsha memorial service below:
VIDEO: Mampintsha’s widow Babes Wodumo appears in good spirits as she sings and dances along to a Big Nuz song. pic.twitter.com/FuZZhJ9Xes
— ZAR News (@ZARnewsOnline) December 29, 2022
In other news, Mampintsha’s father pays tribute to his son
Mampintsha’s father, TI Maphumulo, was visibly heartbroken as he stood before mourners bidding farewell to his only son during his memorial service. TI Maphumulo could not say much about his son as he was heartbroken and still in denial that he was gone. Maphumulo senior said:
I’m here to say until now its sad how he died. It didn’t make anyone at ease, and that stress still hits me today. He was only sick for a short while and after that he died.
“He said to me, while he was sick, that he kept the promise and he was holding on to God. He told me God was alive in him and most of the time it was Him that blessed him. He said he had given his life to God.”
I don’t have many words, I apologise. I’m heartbroken.