It has is almost six months since Gqom artist Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo die after suffering two stroke. The Durban musician was hospitalised after a gig and it was the second attack that saw him lose his life. Weeks later, his mother died from grief. This week, his wife and the mother of his child Bongekile “Babes Wodumo” Simelane celebrated her son Nhlanhla Hlelolenkosi Maphumulo’s birthday.
The mom of one wishes her husband was around to see their son grow. The wololo singer penned a heartfelt letter to her son who will grow up without his father. “Kuthathe sikhathi (It took e times) to write something for you cause I’m in mixed emotions namhlanje. Its your birthday today a part of me misses ubaba wakho cause I know for sure this day was his favourite day it was special even though you share the same birthday month,” she says. “But on this day both our lives changed forever we’re now parents to a precious boy.”
Babes knows that raising her son will not be easy.
“My Sponge, what I guarantee you is this journey ain’t gonna be easy nhlobo, I mean kwawena young as you are but every time you’d hear your dads old voice notes or music you shout ‘ ubaba,’ uyamkhomba ngisho umbona ezithombeni cause that’s the kind of effect he had on us it’s hard to forget him,’ she adds. “This day is a joyous day cause it reminds me that I became a mom but also emotional cause you won’t hear your dad wish you a happy birthday again. Your dad used to call you ‘mastende umnikazi westezi’ nendlela ayejabule ngayo on your birthday it was like he knew ngeke asaba khona for the next one. Khula mfana wami ube indoda and uhlezi wazi mina noBaba wakho love you so much. Happy birthday Nhlanhla Hlelolenkosi Maphumulo @sponge_wodumo happy birthday Zikode wami!”
Cece Smith 