Yesterday, 16 June, Sponge real name Nhlanhla Hlelolenkosi Maphumulo, the son of the late South African Kwaito star Mandla Maphumulo, best known by his stage name, Mampintsha, celebrated his first birth without his father.
Mampintsha died at the age of 40 on Christmas Eve in 2022 after suffering a stroke in Durdoc Hospital. According to Sunday World, he was said to have suffered a minor stroke a few days before. He broke into the industry as part of the Big Nuz Kwaito group. The trio had Mzansi on the dance floors with hits like Umlilo, Tsege Tsege, Newlands West, and more.
Mampintsha met his wife, Gqom star Babes Wodumo—real name Bongekile Simelane at West Ink Records. They dated for a few years before he proposed to her on live radio in 2020. The couple went on to have a reality show named Uthando Lodumo where they were said to have announced they were expecting their first child, News24 reported.
Babes Wodumo pulled on her fans and Instagram followers’ heartstrings when she took to her feed recently to wish Sponge a happy birthday as it was the first of more to come without his father’s physical presence.
Kuthathe sikhathi [it took a long time] to write something for you because I’m in mixed emotions namhlanje [today]. It’s your birthday today [and] a part of me misses ubaba wakho [your dad] because I know for sure [that] this day was his favourite day. It was special even though you share the same birthday month, but on this day, both our lives changed forever [because] we were now parents to a precious boy,” Babes Wodumo penned.
“My Sponge 🧽, what I guarantee you is [that] this journey ain’t gonna be easy nhlobo I mean kwawena [even you, as] young as you are, but every time you’d hear your dad’s old voice notes or music, you shout ”ubaba” [daddy]. Uyamkhomba ngisho umbona ezithombeni [You even point at him when you see his pictures] because that’s the kind of effect he had on us. It’s hard to forget him,” she added.
“This day is a joyous day because it reminds me that I became a mom, but [its] also emotional because you won’t hear your dad wish you a happy birthday again 💔. Your dad used to call you “mastende umnikazi westezi” nendlela ayejabule ngayo[and was always happy] on your birthday. It was like he knew ngeke asaba khona[that he won’t be around] for the next one[s]. Khula mfana wami ube indoda [grow up my son and be a man] and uhlezi wazi mina noBaba wakho [know that your father and i] love you so much❤️. Happy birthday Nhlanhla Hlelolenkosi Maphumulo @sponge_wodumo happy birthday Zikode wami 💋🫶🏻 @mampintsha_shimora”
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Here are some of the reactions:
“Enjoy your day Mabheshingo and Sponge 🙌🔥🔥… Shimora is with you in Spirit,” @mpmelelo said.
“😢😢 I’m not crying, I swear .. Happy birthday 🎉🎁🎈 Sponge mfana ka Mah,” @_miss_zahmakhanya_ reacted.
“A happiest birthday to him ❤️,” @lieketseng_mbho replied.
“What a beautiful message @babes_wodumo 😭.Happy birthday Mashimane ❤,” @Sthakgoroge said.
“That laugh was a trademark, forever missed,” @spha_mbo1 commented.
In other news – Photos: A look into Amanda du-Pont’s vacation in Dubai
It looks like Mzansi actress Amanda is the most recent celebrity to jet off to the land of milk and honey, having a great time. Seems like Dubai is the place to be for most celebs, who love breathing the UAE air and letting their hair down.
Amanda du-Pont is the latest showbiz personality to vacay in Dubai. The actress shared snaps on Instagram giving her followers UAE “mood board” content. Learn More
