In a critical state, Bongekile “Babes Wodumo” Simelane, the gqom queen, is reportedly hospitalised. The celebrated singer—known for her spectacular performances—was taken by ambulance from her home in Durban to a private hospital on Saturday.
The sudden deaths of Babes Wodumo’s husband, Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, and her mother-in-law in December 2022 left her suffering from melancholy and extreme stress, according to sources close to her.

According to these sources, Babes has been ignoring her health, which has caused her to lose a large amount of weight. In addition, she is accused of abusing alcohol and other drugs, raising the possibility that she used them to deal with her sadness.

Nondumiso Simelane, Babes’ sister and manager, confirmed that she was hospitalised but refuted claims that she was in serious condition in an interview with the Daily Sun. Babes Wodumo is receiving treatment for dehydration and weariness, according to the woman, and her family anticipates that she will soon be released.

Nondumiso vigorously denies the claims of drug and alcohol addiction, calling them untrue lies.