New music but old habits: Babes Wodumo’s disastrous comeback leaves fans and venue owners breathing fire

South African singer and dancer Bongekile “Babes Wodumo” Simelane left fans and a venue owner fuming after failing to make an appearance at a scheduled event at Amigo’s Bar and Grill in Randburg, Johannesburg. The venue was packed with fans who had travelled from near and far, eager to see the Gqom queen perform.

According to ZiMOJA, guests, including media personality Kea Mofolo, expressed their disappointment, noting they waited until midnight before giving up hope. Fans had hoped for an explanation on social media but received none.

The venue owner, Moss, expressed his disappointment over Babes Wodumo’s absence, noting it tarnished the venue’s reputation for reliability. “It’s not a good look for us as a venue. We have built trust amongst our patrons and they know we only aim to deliver the best. But it’s disheartening when an artist doesn’t show up,” Moss told the publication.

The publication reported that Nondu Simelane, Babes Wodumo’s mother and manager, apologised for the no-show, explaining that transportation issues from Durban prevented them from attending. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by many, who point to the fact that Babes Wodumo recently held a listening session for her new music project on Instagram.

This EP marks Babes Wodumo’s first project since the passing of her late husband, Mampintsha, and it seems the singer is eager to move forward with her career. In an interview with TshisaLIVE, Babes discussed the Uthando Lodumo show, her music and her life after Mampintsha’s death.

Babes Wodumo noted that filming Uthando Lodumo season 3 will be different now as she has to make decisions independently, without her late husband. Viewers can expect more drama, insights into her life after Mampintsha’s passing, and her experiences as a single mother. She described coping with loneliness and the challenges of adjusting to life without him but feels she has managed well.

Despite the upcoming release of her new EP, the no-show at Amigo’s has cast a shadow over Babes Wodumo’s return to the music scene. The incident has raised questions about her professionalism and commitment to her fans.

The incident also highlights the growing trend of artists ghosting fans and venues, leaving them disappointed and frustrated. This trend is particularly concerning in South Africa, where the entertainment industry is still developing and artists are often seen as role models.