It was a day full of laughter, nostalgia, joy, and tears as mourners gathered at the Ethekwini Community Centre (ECC), Durban for the memoria;l service of Big Nuz member Mandla 'Mampintsha' Maphumulo. As guests take their seats, Bishop Dube gave the proceedings his blessings and the progamme is run by broadcast veteran Linda Sibiya who also contributed immensely to Mampintsha's career.?

FRIENDS REMEMBER HIM AS CARING

Speaking first are close friends and colleagues Phila and Sbo who worked at travelled with Mampintsha. "I don't know what to say, Mmapintsha was more than a friend, but a brother to us, as well as my boss. I drove for Big Nuz. I am hurt and I am broken. I thanked him when he added me to the Afrotainment payroll. I was able to raise my child,' Phila says. "We travelled, took flights, got into VIPs, and ate good food. That man loved food. If you were with him, you never got hungry,' he laughed. "If he heard anyone was hungry in the bus, you would hear him look for a plastic bag, and out would come some chicken.' A saddened Phila says it was an honour knowing Mampintsha. "We thank God for the time we spent with him. Everyone is here because of him.' Phila thanked everyone for their support. ?

HIS LAST DAYS IN HOSPITAL

Phila recalls his last visit to the hospital to wish Mmapintsha a speedy recovery. "When I visited him in the hospital, he could still speak. Then came a time when he couldn't speak, he would just shake his head,' he says. "Mampintsha was a praying man. Even in the hospital, he prayed and believed in prayer. Every day he asked for prayers I thank him for introducing me to people and putting food on my family's table.' 

Sbo says Mmpintsha helped him to get money for his first gig. "I lost the glue that put things together in my life.' It was tough seeing him in the hospital. But he fought for his life.' Sbo says.

RESURRECTING BABES WODUMO?

Babes Wodumo's sister Nondumiso representing Wena Wodumo says that the entire family is hurt. "We are hurt. Many people know that my brother-in-law was my best friend. Hambakahle sibale wami.' 

thingsGuest stood up for DJ Tira and Big Nuz member Dange took the podium. "I can not believe that my friend is gone. It's hard. I never imagined seeing an image on Mampintshalike this. My heart is broken but what will help us to move forward is the love we have received,' DJ Tira says. "There is a lot of work that we need to do.Our sister Babes Wodumo needs to go back to her rightful position, at the top. When Babes first arrived in the music industry, she charged R100 000, and through working hard, Babes needs to go back to that level, he adds. "With focus and hard work, he believes it's possible again. "Babes, you need to get out of your comfort zone and work hard. You have your child to raise.Mampintsha left us with a lot of work to do.' DJ Tira went on to praise Mmapintsha's talent and creativity. "Listen to the name, Babes Wodumo. He came up with the name. There was Makoya, but he said Makoya Bearings. His creativity was his gift from God.' He praised Big Nuz for their comeback and having longevity.'