Bongekile Mildred Simelane, better known as Babes Wodumo is a South African gqom singer, songwriter, and choreographer. In this article, we will explore Babes Wodumo Net Worth, early years, career, personal life, awards and achievements.

Babes Wodumo Net Worth

Nickname:	Babes Wodumo
Real Name:	Bongekile Mildred Simelane
Net Worth:	$1 million
Birth Place:	Lamontville, Durban, South Africa
Weight:	59 kg
Sexual Orientation:	Straight
Marital Status:	Divorced
Spouse:	Mampintsha (Mandla Maphumulo) (2020-2022)
Children:	Sponge Wodumo
Boyfriend:	None
Date of Birth:	March 25, 1994
Gender:	Female
Height:	1.78 m
Profession:	Singer, Songwriter, Choreographer
Nationality:	South African
Source of Wealth:	Music, Choreography
Education:	The University of South Africa
Father:	Welcome Simelane
Mother:	Thokozile Simelane
Brother:	None
Sister:	Nondumiso Simelane

Early Years

Bongekile Mildred Simelane was born on March 25, 1994, in Lamontville, Durban, South Africa, to Welcome Simelane, a bishop, and Thokozile Simelane. She has a sister, Nondumiso Simelane.

Her father, Welcome Simelane, was a musician, and her mother was a dancer—early influences that ignited her passion for music and dance.

Career

Babes Wodumo began his music career at the age of 15, when he performed at local gatherings and talent shows. Her debut single, “Wololo,” released in 2016, was an instant hit, catapulting her to prominence. Wodumo’s debut gqom studio album, “Gqom Queen Vol. 1,” featured the hits “Wololo,” “Umgan Wami,” and “Mercedes.” The album had more than 28 million streams and debuted at number three on the iTunes charts, achieving platinum certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). She was also included on Kendrick Lamar’s soundtrack for “Black Panther”.

In July 2020, she released her second studio album, “Idando Kazi,” on West Ink Records, which featured collaborations with musicians such as Mampintsha, Skillz, T.N.S, Madanon, and Worst Behaviour. The main single, “eLamont,” debuted at number three on the South African iTunes list. The album received nomination for the 27th South African Music Award. In 2021, she and her spouse will debut their reality TV show “Uthando Lodumo” on Showmax.

Her discography includes two studio albums: “Gqom Queen Vol.1,” and “Indando Kazi.”

Personal Life

Babes Wodumo made waves in 2019 when she shared a video on Instagram of her then-boyfriend and manager, Mampintsha (Mandla Maphumulo), physically beating her. The event caused widespread indignation and resulted in Mampintsha’s incarceration.

Despite the uproar, Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha reconciled, married in 2020, and had their son, Sponge Wodumo, in June 2021. Tragically, Mampintsha died in 2022.

Awards and Achievements

Babes Wodumo has won awards, including South African Gqom Awards 2019 and Dance Music Awards 2017.

She has been nominated for BET Awards for Best International Act: Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions About Babes Wodumo

1. Who is Babes Wodumo?

Wodumo is a South African gqom singer, songwriter, and choreographer.

2. What is Babes Wodumo’s real name?

Bongekile Mildred Simelane.

3. When was Babes Wodumo born?

Wodumo was born on March 25, 1994.

4. Where was Babes Wodumo born?

Wodumo was born in Lamontville, Durban, South Africa.

5. What genre of music does Babes Wodumo sing?

Wodumo sings gqom music, a genre that originated in South Africa.

6. What is Babes Wodumo’s most popular song?

Wodumo’s most popular song is “Wololo.”

7. Has Babes Wodumo won any awards?

Wodumo has won awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa (2017).

8. Is Babes Wodumo married?

Wodumo was married to Mandla Maphumulo (Mampintsha) until his death in 2022.

9. Does Babes Wodumo have any children?

Wodumo has a son, Sponge Wodumo, born in 2021.

10. What is Babes Wodumo’s net worth?

Babes Wodumo’s net worth is $1 million.

11. What is Babes Wodumo’s profession besides singing?

Wodumo is also a choreographer and has ventured into fashion.

12. What personal crisis did Babes Wodumo face in 2019?

In 2019, she was assaulted by her boyfriend and manager, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo. The incident was broadcast live on Instagram and led to Mampintsha’s arrest.

13. How many studio albums has Babes Wodumo released?

Wodumo has released two successful studio albums, “Gqom Queen” (2016) and “Idando Kazi” (2020).

14. What international recognition did Babes Wodumo receive?

Wodumo contributed to the Black Panther album in 2018, enhancing her global profile.

Wrap Up

Babes Wodumo has emerged as a notable personality in South African music, noted for her distinct sound, passionate concerts, and support for women’s rights.