For months now, rumours have been swirling about Babes Wodumo’s state of health. Just this past weekend, a social media post claimed that she was no more. ZiMoja has learnt that the Gqom musician, whose real name is Bongekile Simelani, is recovering at her parent’s home after being discharged from the hospital more than two months ago.

SUFFERING FROM A LUNG-RELATED ILLNESS 

Sources who spoke to ZiMoja say Babes is at her parent’s home recovering from a "lung-related issues". According to the source, Babes got sick around May and was rushed to the hospital where she spent a few days. "Babes is fine, she is now gearing herself up for the festive, she wants to be 100% ready for the festive season", adds the source. Another source says she will be back in the studio to finish the final touch-ups of her upcoming album. ZiMoja can also reveal that she will be dropping her album together with that of Mampintsha posthumously. "Before his death, her husband made the music he was supposed to release but DJ Tira wanted him to work on Big Nuz, so there is a lot of material that is sitting with Babes," says the source.

MOVING OUT OF HER MATRIMONIAL HOME

ZiMoja can also reveal that Babes moved out of the house she shared with her late husband due to ill health. She is back at her parent’s house where her mother is nursing her back to health. The source adds that it was not conducive for her to be at the house she shared with Mampintsha because there are always people who are coming in and out to record or just to chill. The house has a recording studio.

SHE WANTS TO START AFRESH

According to Zimoja sources, Babes is considering hiring a new professional management team because her sister who is currently her manager has been booking gigs knowing that Babes needs rest and is sick. The source says that Babes was supposed to perform at an event last weekend at the University of Zululand but she was a no-show. "Her sister knows her condition that she is not fit enough to perform but still signs her up and causes her more stress and brand damage", adds the source. When called for comment, Babes refused to commenr citing that she is not allowed to engage media at this point. Her sister Nondumiso Simelane also declined to comment, saying, " Leave me alone."