Big Nuz member Mampintsha. Picture: Twitter
It has been confirmed that musician Mandla ‘Mampintsha‘ Maphumulo, who suffered a minor stroke last week, has passed away.
There were numerous reports earlier on Saturday on social media that the Big Nuz member had died. The Citizen has received confirmation of this from Mampintsha’s close friend and fellow artist DJ Tira.
DJ Tira said: “This is the saddest day. We were so close and so happy recently, excited about the Big Nuz come back. Why now?”
He added that an official statement will follow.
Update
Afrotainment released a statement confirming Mampintsha’s passing.
“Details on the memorial and funeral arrangements will be shared by the family in due course. The family asks that the public and media respect their privacy as they deal with this difficult loss.
“We ask that you keep his wife Bongekile Maphumulo, their son and their family in your prayers and Afrotainment sends it’s heartful condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. “
The record label released a statement earlier this week stating that Mampintsha was in hospital “receiving medical attention and was under doctor’s observation”.
Mampintsha was admitted to King Edward Hospital in Durban and later transferred to Durdoc Hospital in Durban Central, TimesLIVE reported.
At the time, the family asked for privacy and for well wishes.
There was shock on Twitter as many fans sent their condolences to Mampintsha’s family, particularly his wife Babes Wodumo (real name Bongekile Simelane), as the couple share a son Sponge.
The pair tied the knot in 2021 and their wedding was screened in a Showmax special, in addition to the reality TV show Uthando Lodumo.
Despite the couple having a tumultuous public life, the pair stuck together throughout the ups and downs in the last decade.
The Kwaito musical group is attributed to have made many songs for the summer and December seasons. Mampintsha is the founder of Big Nuz, the other two members are Mzi (a.k.a. Danger) and Sbu (a.k.a. Mashesha).
They made hit songs such as Umilio, Sting Ray and Ntombenhle. Umilio won Record of The Year at the South African Music Awards (Samas) in 2010.
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