Durban — As KwaZulu-Natal bid farewell to one of its most talented sons, the mood was one of jubilation and celebration of the Gqom music star’s life.
The star-studded gathering to celebrate the life and times of Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo was held at the eThekwini Community Church on Thursday.
In attendance at the fallen Big Nuz hero’s memorial service, were his long-time friend and Big Nuz’s co-founder DJ Tira and local musicians Dladla Mshunqisi, DJ Sox and DJ Tizozo.
“Everything Mampintsha did was filled with creativity and was unique. You would not see it from other people. For example, the name ‘Babes’ existed, but he added ‘Wodumo’ to form ‘Babes Wodumo’. There was ‘Makoya’ but Mampintsha extended it to Makoya Bearings,” said DJ Tira.
He called Mampintsha a prophet as he would say things that one did not think about – in the form of lyrics – and then the lyrics manifested into a reality.
“Our friend is gone. We will cry, but we hope his spirit will live within us and we have work to do to help raise his children, and his company (West Ink) can’t die because it’s a company from home. Due to God’s grace and after everything regarding Afrotainment and Big Nuz splitting, we were able to return back to how things were in the beginning,” said Tira.
He said that the Mampintsha he knew this year was the same Mampintsha he met in 2006 when he asked them to leave Johannesburg and return to Durban to work as Big Nuz.
“With all my heart, I see we could be making history by becoming the first South African group to disappear and return after a decade, and have the song that ends the year and begins the new one,'' said DJ Tira.
He praised Big Nuz for making history and said if one believes in something, they must focus on it and make it happen.
“His spirit, love, everything – did a 360 and we returned back. As hard as it might be, we need to accept this and say rest in peace Shimora,” said Tira.
The remaining Big Nuz member, Mzi ‘Danger’ Tshomela, shared how Big Nuz was filled with quiet individuals who preferred entering the studio and producing music.
“I would like to say thank you for all the support that you have given us from day one as well as DJ Tira for providing us with all the energy because when we returned from Johannesburg, Durban artists welcomed us with open arms,” said Tshomela.
Representing the Simelane family, Bishop MW Simelane – Babes Wodumo’s father – was grateful for the provincial government’s involvement in the burial proceedings.
“Whenever I spoke, they would leave me and follow each other to the car. That is when I saw that they were destined for each other and only death could separate them,” said Simelane.
He thanked Mampintsha for leaving him the gift of a grandson. He also thanked him for kick-starting Babes Wodumo’s music career and acknowledged that without his influence, she would not be where she was now.
“I will never forget Mampintsha because he groomed my daughter to be a well-recognised musician,” he said.
Khethiwe Kubheka gave a vote of thanks to all the families for being present and wished that people would dress up extravagantly for the funeral. She thanked DJ Tizozo for his contributions to musicians and their families.
Towards the end of the memorial service, Mampintsha’s family was visibly torn and filled with sadness – as the reality settled in. Mampintsha’s wife – Babes Wodumo – showed strength and positivity – even dancing and singing at some stage.
Mampintsha’s funeral will take place on Friday.
Daily News