Babes Wodumo has recently opened up about her personal struggles and musical ambitions.
Image: Instagram
South African singer and choreographer Babes Wodumo, whose real name is Bongekile Simelane, has confidently declared that no artist can outshine her when it comes to both choreography and singing.
During a recent interview with local media, the Durban-born gqom star was asked which artists she would like to collaborate with in the future.
Wodumo revealed that only two names are currently on her wishlist - global superstar Beyoncé and South African Grammy winner Tyla.
“Beyonce and Tyla. Beyoncé is like me; she is stubborn, and Tyla is as well. With the rest, I don’t think they can defeat me. From choreography to singing, there is no place where they can defeat me,” said Wodumo.
“I’m the best,” she added confidently.
The "Queen of Gqom" also reflected on what continues to motivate her despite the hardships she has faced over the past few years.
“What has been motivating me all along is to do my work. I live for Gqom. Some people live for amapiano. I live for gqom music,” she explained.
Wodumo became emotional while speaking about the passing of her late husband, award-winning music producer Mampintsha, whose real name was Mandla Maphumulo.
“What keeps me going is that my man is no longer alive. He was the person who used to motivate me. When I look at his work, it makes me ask myself, why am I chilling? So I tell myself, ‘Babes, you’re still young, continue going.’ That’s what keeps me going, including my fans,” she said.
Wodumo stepped away from the music industry following Mampintsha’s death from a stroke in December 2022, just a day before Christmas.
His sudden passing shocked fans across South Africa and the wider music industry.
The couple, who married in April 2021, welcomed their son later that same year. Their child was affectionately nicknamed Spontshi by fans.
After a five-year hiatus, Wodumo made her highly anticipated return to music last year with the release of her latest album, "Mabheshingo".
The project marks her first studio album since 2020’s "Idandokazi".
Announcing the album on Instagram, Wodumo revealed that the project carries deep emotional significance, as it includes unreleased material left behind by Mampintsha.
“I added a few songs that Mampintsha left me with,” she shared.