It is just over a year since the death of her husband, Mandla 'Mampintsha' Maphumulo, who suffered two strokes in December 2022. Gqom singer and dancer ,Bongekile 'Babes Wodumo' Simelane, has been working on reviving her career. She is back in studio, taking gigs, performing and DJ Tira is guiding her throughout.

DJ Tira tells ZiMoja he has been working behind the scenes with the Ka Dazz singer. "She is coming back strong, trust me," he says. "I have been working with her, there are songs that we've recorded and are ready and waiting for her." DJ Tira says he is waiting for her to confirm release dates. "She is taking her time and there's no pressure on her. We know once she decides to drop, things will go crazy. She is performing again and I still owe her a few more studio sessions, so that when she re-launches, we are on fire," he adds.

DJ Tira is proud of how far Babes has come. "I am so happy to see her in this state of growth. She is healing gradually. She has picked up some weightand just looking happier and more bubbly like the old Babes we all love." 

Babes Wodumo says she is taking things easy. "I am still mourning my husband. Other days are tough, but every day I am fighting. I have a child to take care of and my family is my priority." Babes says she will forever be a star. "No one can take away what God has given me. I will always be a star. You fall once and get up again," she says. "I have been working on new music with different people, and only time will tell but I want to release music this year." She has also been seeing comments on her body and gaining weight. "Uyabazi abantu, banjani (You know how people are). I am still the same Babes. I am growing up and my body is changing but I dance a lot and take care of myself."