Gqom sensation Babes Wodumo, whose real name is Bongekile Simelane, is facing accusations of not paying her make-up artist, Pearl Mhlongo (22) from Pearlisiwe Make-Up and Skincare in Durban, a meager amount of R1,200 for services rendered in 2021.
According to Mhlongo, she was introduced to Babes Wodumo through a mutual friend who was her client. Initially invited to do make-up for the friend, Mhlongo discovered Babes Wodumo there and was asked to do her make-up as well. She completed the job and received immediate payment in cash, leading to her becoming Babes Wodumo's regular make-up artist. Mhlongo further revealed that she would often visit Babes Wodumo's residence in Westville to do her make-up, and she would always receive cash payments.
Mhlongo explained that the reason Babes Wodumo failed to pay her on the day of the make-up session in question was because there was no one available to drive Babes Wodumo's car to a nearby mall for the transaction. She stated that Babes Wodumo promised to pay the following day as she wanted Mhlongo to return for another make-up session. However, Mhlongo expressed frustration, claiming that Babes Wodumo consistently comes up with excuses. Mhlongo emphasized that she only seeks payment for her services and has remained silent about the issue for two years. She finds it perplexing that Babes Wodumo, who regularly receives gigs, fails to pay a mere R1,200. Mhlongo believes that Babes Wodumo may be taking advantage of her as a young woman trying to establish her make-up business.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Babes Wodumo were unsuccessful, as she hung up when questioned about the outstanding debt. Babes Wodumo's manager and older sister, Nondumiso, denied the allegations and shifted the responsibility to the late Sthembile, the former personal assistant who allegedly owed the money. Nondumiso claimed to have attempted to reason with Mhlongo's mother, who had been causing drama on social media, but without providing any evidence of communication with Babes Wodumo since 2021. Nondumiso expressed frustration, stating that demands for payment without proof were baseless, and accused Mhlongo of seeking attention by tarnishing Babes Wodumo's reputation. Nondumiso demanded proof of the alleged agreement and insisted that Babes Wodumo goes through proper booking channels, with the personal assistant handling payments.
