Star of Showmax's Uthando Lodumo: Mampintsha | Picture: Supplied
If you told someone who wasn’t familiar with South Africa that the clip of a New Year’s countdown filmed earlier today was at a memorial, they might not believe you but that is what mourners at Mampintsha’s memorial service did in Durban on Thursday.
The artist (real name Mandla Maphumulo) suffered a minor stroke a week ago and died, aged 40, the following day on Christmas Eve. News of Mampintsha’s death was confirmed by fellow musician and recordboss, DJ Tira.
In the short clip of Mampintsha’s memorial service shared by broadcaster Mthokozisi “MaBlerh” Cele, mourners can be seen dancing to Gqom music before counting down from 10 to one.
“Happy New Year!” they all shout in unison with the MC before waving their arms in the air.
“Durban just went to 2023 without us,” joked MaBlerh.
According to a report by SABC News, fans of the late kwaito star came out in their numbers to attend his memorial service at the eThekwini Community Church in the Durban CBD.
The church was often the scene for marital counselling between the star and his wife on their Showmax reality show, Uthando Lodumo.
Mampintsha’s memorial service was open to the public in an effort to give everyone a chance to pay their respects.
Among the speakers at the memorial service were Mampintsha’s father Thembinkosi Maphumulo and his father-in-law Mbongeni Simelane.
SABC News reports that Mampintsha’s father said he was still trying to come to terms with the death of his son.
He told those in attendance that he had hoped that his son would recover.
“It pains me even now thinking about how my son died. He was not sick for a long time, we had hoped that he will recover. Shortly after being admitted he died. I am hurt. But what makes me so happy is that he promised me that he still loves God.”
Speaking after Maphumulo senior, Simelane, the father of Mampintsha’s wife, Babes Wodumo, told mourners that although their marriage was not perfect, he remains eternally grateful to Mampintsha for helping to bring his daughter into the music industry.
“Sometimes they would argue a lot and most of the time I would intervene, the next thing they kiss and make up, and I am left wondering… They were meant for each other and it is only death that has separated them. Babes was introduced to this music industry by Mampintsha. I will never forget him because he groomed my daughter until she became so successful.”
Mampintsha was part of the Kwaito group Big Nuz alongside members Danger and R-Mashesha.
R-Mashesha died in 2015 and with Mampintsha’s passing, Danger is now the only surviving member of Big Nuz.
Mampintsha is survived by his wife Babes Wodumo (Bongekile Simelane) and their son, affectionately known as “sponge” who both attended the memorial service.
*Compiled by Kaunda Selisho
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