It has been almost six months since the death of musician Mandla "Mampintsha" Maphumulo. The Big Nuz member died on 20 December last year after a stroke. The 40-year-old businessman, producer and artist from multi-award-winning group Big Nuz took his last breath in hospital where he was admitted after the stroke. His wife Bongekile "Babes Wodumo" Simelane, who is also the mother of his son Nhlanhla Hlelolenkosi Maphumulo, recently celebrated their son's birthday.

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY

The Wololo singer said she wished Mapintsha was around to see their son turn two years old. She penned a heartfelt letter to her son, whom she affectionately calls Sponge. "Kuthathe sikhathi (It took time) to write something for you cause I'm in mixed emotions namhlanje (sic). It's your birthday today a part of me misses ubaba wakho (your dad) because I know for sure this day was his favourite day. It was special... you share the same birthday month," she said.

A JOYOUS DAY

Babes Wodumo said she will never forget Mampintsha. "My Sponge, what I guarantee you is, this journey ain't gonna be easy ... Young as you are, every time you hear your dad's old voice notes or music you shout, 'ubaba,' uyamkhomba ngisho umbona ezithombeni  ( You shout dad and point at him even when you see him in pictures) cause that's the kind of effect he had on us. It's hard to forget him," she added. "This day is a joyous day because it reminds me that I became a mom but also emotional cause you won't hear your dad wish you a happy birthday again. Your dad used to call you 'mastende umnikazi westezi' nendlela ayejabule ngayo ( the landlord ...the way he was so happy) on your birthday. It was like he knew ngeke asaba khona for the next one (he wouldn't be around for this one). Khula mfana wami ube indoda and uhlezi wazi mina noBaba wakho, we love you so much (grow up my boy and be a man and know that your dad and I love you)