Mampintsha was a South African musician, producer, and entrepreneur who rose to fame as a member of the Kwaito group Big Nuz member and the founder of West Ink Records.
He was also the husband of the gqom singer Babes Wodumo, with whom he starred in a reality show called Uthando Lodumo.
He was a talented and influential artist who contributed to the South African music industry and helped launch the careers of many young musicians. He was also a controversial figure who faced allegations of domestic violence and drug abuse.
Profile
- Full name: Mandla Maphumulo
- Nickname: Mampintsha
- Date of birth: 13 July 1982
- Age: 41 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Umlazi, Durban, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Profession: Musician, producer, entrepreneur
- Height: 1.7 m
- Parents: N/A
- Siblings: N/A
- Spouse: Bongekile Simelane (Babes Wodumo)
- Children: One
- Relationship status: Married
- Net worth: $5 million
Early Life & Education
Mandla Maphumulo, popularly known as Mampintsha, at the age of 41, was born on 13 July 1982 in Umlazi, Durban, South Africa.
He grew up in a poor and violent neighborhood, where he witnessed crime and drug abuse. At a young age, he developed a passion for music and started singing and dancing in local events and competitions.
He dropped out of school in grade 10 and pursued his music career full-time. He met his future bandmates, Mzi Tshomela (Danger) and Sbusiso Khomo (R Mashesha), and formed the kwaito group Big Nuz in 2002. They named themselves after their hometown, Umlazi, also known as NUZ in Zulu.
Personal Life
Mampintsha was married to Bongekile Simelane, better known as Babes Wodumo, a popular gqom singer and dancer.
They met in 2013 when Mampintsha signed her to his record label, West Ink Records. They started dating soon after and became one of the most famous and controversial couples in the South African music scene.
They collaborated on several hit songs, such as Wololo, Ganda Ganda, and Umzabhabha. They also starred in a reality show called Uthando Lodumo, which aired on Showmax in 2021.
The show documented their relationship, their wedding, and their pregnancy. They welcomed their first child, a boy, in June 2021.
Career
Mampintsha had a successful and diverse career across different genres and platforms.
He started his career as a member of the kwaito group Big Nuz, which became one of the most popular and award-winning groups in South Africa. They released six albums, including 2nd Round Knockout, Undisputed, and For the Fans.
They won several awards, including the South African Music Award for Best Kwaito Album, the Metro FM Award for Best Group, and the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Group.
They also performed at various events and festivals, such as the Durban July, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and the Channel O Music Video Awards. They were known for their catchy and energetic songs, such as Umlilo, Ntombenhle, and Hawaii.
Mampintsha also had a solo career as a singer, rapper, and producer. He released his debut solo album, Bhut’Madlisa, in 2020, which featured artists such as Babes Wodumo, DJ Tira, and Professor. He also produced songs for other artists, such as Distruction Boyz, Tipcee, and Madanon.
He was known for his distinctive and versatile voice, which could switch from singing to rapping to chanting. He was also known for his signature dance moves, such as the vosho and the gwara gwara.
Mampintsha was also an entrepreneur who founded and ran his record label, West Ink Records, in 2013. He signed and mentored several young and upcoming artists, such as Babes Wodumo, Dladla Mshunqisi, and LaSoulMates.
He also launched his clothing line, West Ink Clothing, in 2017. He was known for his ambition and vision, which aimed to promote and uplift the local music industry and culture.
Net Worth
Mampintsha had a net worth of $5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He earned his fortune through music sales, performances, endorsements, and businesses.
He was one of the richest and most influential musicians in South Africa.
Death
Mampintsha died on 24 December 2022 at the age of 40, after suffering a second stroke while in hospital. He had been admitted to the hospital on 20 December 2022 after collapsing at his home in Durban.
He had previously suffered a stroke in October 2021, which left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak.
He had been undergoing physiotherapy and speech therapy and had shown signs of improvement. His death came as a shock and a tragedy to his family, friends, fans, and colleagues.
He was buried on 28 December 2022 at the Heroes Acre Cemetery in Durban, where he was given a state funeral.
Controversy
Mampintsha was a controversial figure who faced allegations of domestic violence and drug abuse. He was accused of physically and verbally abusing his wife, Babes Wodumo, on several occasions.
The most notorious incident occurred in March 2019, when Babes Wodumo live-streamed a video on Instagram showing Mampintsha hitting her repeatedly.
The video sparked outrage and condemnation from the public, the media, and the government. Mampintsha was arrested and charged with assault but later released on bail.
He claimed that he acted in self-defense and that Babes Wodumo had also assaulted him.
The couple later reconciled and withdrew the charges against each other. They also attended a mediation program, where they received counseling and guidance. They claimed that they had resolved their issues and were happy together.
Mampintsha was also accused of using and dealing drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy. He denied the allegations and said that he only drank alcohol occasionally.
He said that he was a victim of false rumors and malicious propaganda, which aimed to tarnish his reputation and career.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: N/A
- Twitter handle: N/A
Discography
- Bhut’Madlisa (2020) is his debut solo album, which featured songs such as Joburg, Ngeke Ngivume, and Sdukuduku.
- For the Fans (2016), the sixth and final album by Big Nuz, featured songs such as Tsege Tsege, Osisi Bendawo, and Amaphela.
- Made in Africa (2013), the fifth album by Big Nuz, which featured songs such as Inazo, Hawaii, and Do You Still Remember.
- Pound for Pound (2011) is the fourth album by Big Nuz, which featured songs such as Sting Ray, Serious, and Umlilo.
- Undisputed (2010) is the third album by Big Nuz, which featured songs such as Uyoysholo Wena, Ntombenhle, and Newlands West.
- 2nd Round Knockout (2009), the second album by Big Nuz, which featured songs such as Ubala, Izingane, and Emahlanyeni.
- Zozo (2007) is the debut album by Big Nuz, which featured songs such as Zozo, Uyohlala Nini, and Phaqa.
