This week in South African entertainment has been a whirlwind of emotions, from the poignant to the celebratory, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of our nation's cultural landscape. From the raw vulnerability of Babes Wodumo's heartfelt message to her late husband, Mampintsha, to the joyous triumph of Makhadzi's BET Award win, the week has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.
Babes Wodumo, the gqom queen, has once again captured the hearts of South Africans with her emotional tribute to her late husband, Mandla "Mampintsha" Maphumulo. A WhatsApp voice note, shared on social media, revealed the singer's raw grief, her voice choked with tears as she poured out her love for Mampintsha, who tragically passed away in December 2022.
"I love you. I will always love you," Babes whispered, her words echoing the deep bond she shared with her beloved husband.
The message, recorded in November 2023, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and the profound impact of loss. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Mampintsha, a legend in the South African music scene, and the unwavering love of Babes, who continues to honour his memory.
This came just a few months after the Wololo hitmaker said she is horny and lonely. She revealed this in a video clip. She said she was looking for a new partner.
"Personally I prefer a white partner because they don’t talk too much. What is your suggestion because I’m really horny and it’s not funny anymore? It’s now getting to my head.
"I have consulted with medical experts but they couldn’t help me because I ask them hard questions. Due to these problems I have resorted to alcohol. I simply drink my husband’s Original Shandis Gin or dance in order to feel less depressed," she said.
In a stark contrast to the poignant sorrow of Babes' message, Makhadzi, the Limpopo-born singer, has brought joy and pride to South Africa with her historic BET Award win. Makhadzi, who has become a global sensation with her infectious energy and captivating music, was awarded the Viewer's Choice: Best New International Act award at the 19th annual BET Hip-Hop Awards in Los Angeles, California.
Her victory, however, came with a touch of adversity. Makhadzi revealed that she had to borrow money to attend the awards ceremony, highlighting the financial challenges faced by many artists, even those who have achieved international recognition.
"I'm going through a lot. It's not a secret," Makhadzi confessed, acknowledging the financial struggles she has faced. "Every money I get monthly I'm paying Sars, so I end up not having money for myself."
Despite these challenges, Makhadzi's BET win is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for her craft. Her journey from humble beginnings to international stardom is an inspiration to aspiring artists across the globe.
Meanwhile, Cassper Nyovest, the award-winning rapper, has taken a different path, stepping into the pulpit to preach about addiction and finding one's identity in Christ. Nyovest, known for his energetic performances and chart-topping hits, shared his personal journey of faith at the Christian Family Church, where he delivered his first sermon.
"So many lives were saved through this testimony," a church member shared, highlighting the impact of Nyovest's message.
Nyovest's foray into the world of faith demonstrates the evolving nature of South African entertainment, where artists are increasingly embracing their spirituality and using their platform to inspire and uplift others.
The week's events also served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in the entertainment industry. Innocent Sadiki, the popular actress, experienced a devastating fire that destroyed her R3m home in Fourways, Johannesburg.
"It was just starting to feel like a home and then this happened," said her twin sister, Millicent Mashile, expressing their family's grief and loss.
Sadiki's tragedy highlights the vulnerability of those in the entertainment industry, who often face financial instability and unpredictable circumstances. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and compassion in times of adversity.
Finally, the week's news was also marked by a cautionary tale of the dangers of online scams. Soul Candy's DJ Terence, known for his Music Box compilations, fell victim to scammers who emptied his bank account while he was away on a weekend gig.
"I don't understand how it happened to me, but the money is gone," DJ Terence lamented, highlighting the growing threat of online fraud.
