“Mabheshingo” marks a triumphant and deeply emotional return for Babes Wodumo, as she reclaims her place at the forefront of South Africa’s Gqom scene with renewed energy, confidence, and vulnerability. The album is a powerful reflection of her journey — one that celebrates her legacy as the “Queen of Gqom,” while also unveiling new layers of emotional depth and artistic maturity. It’s both a sonic rebirth and a deeply personal statement that speaks to love, resilience, and survival.
Babes Wodumo recently appeared on Join iparty featuring Mampintsha and Maphara.
Musically, Mabheshingo stays rooted in the raw, pulsating rhythms of Durban Gqom, the sound that made Babes a household name. However, the production throughout the album shows a noticeable evolution — it’s more polished, layered, and versatile, weaving in modern Amapiano, Afro-house, and soulful electronic textures without losing the hard-hitting intensity that defines Gqom. Each beat feels meticulously crafted, blending traditional township percussion with contemporary basslines and melodic synth progressions that give the album a dynamic, updated edge.
At its heart, Mabheshingo is an emotional diary set to rhythm. Babes Wodumo explores themes of joy, heartbreak, perseverance, and healing. There’s a clear sense that she’s channeling her real-life experiences — the highs of success, the pain of loss, and the resilience of a woman who refuses to be silenced. Tracks like “Imizwa” featuring Mawhoo and Trymore reveal her more tender, introspective side, with vocals that convey both strength and sensitivity. In contrast, songs like “Ama Drums” and “Join iParty” featuring Mampintsha and Madanon bring back her fiery, defiant energy — commanding, fearless, and ready to set any dancefloor ablaze.
The collaborations on Mabheshingo highlight Babes Wodumo’s ability to bridge generations and sounds within South African music. Longtime collaborators like Mampintsha provide nostalgic connections to her earlier days, while newer voices such as Mawhoo inject a fresh, melodic flair that broadens the album’s appeal. Each feature feels cohesive and purposeful, contributing to the album’s rich emotional and rhythmic tapestry.
Beyond the dance rhythms and energetic hooks, Mabheshingo stands out as an act of healing and remembrance. The album carries a quiet tribute to her late husband and collaborator, Mampintsha, whose influence and spirit echo throughout the record. Babes doesn’t shy away from emotion — she embraces it, transforming grief and reflection into art that resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners.
ALBUM: Babes Wodumo – Mabheshingo
ALBUM: Babes Wodumo – Mabheshingo
Babes Wodumo, Lelowhatsgood & Unkle Ken – Ekhoneni (feat. Madanon, Rifle Deep & Niseni)
Babes Wodumo – Sip and See (feat. Jay Music, Madanon, Don Edward & ill Frost)
Babes Wodumo – Join iparty (feat. Mampintsha & Maphara)
Babes Wodumo – Inte ncane (feat. Dee Traits, Baba ka Simba, Zvri & Niseni)
Babes Wodumo – Imisebenzi (feat. Sundile, Chiefsa, Dj Lace & Gallo)
Babes Wodumo – Imizwa (feat. Mawhoo & Trymore)
Babes Wodumo – Tupperware (feat. Jelly Babie, Madanon & Blaq kidd)
Babes Wodumo – AMA drums (feat. Mampintsha & Madanon)
Babes Wodumo – Bonga (feat. Baba ka Simba, Dj Lace, Sniper & Jumbo)
Babes Wodumo – Ngakuthanda kakhulu (feat. Ushuni Wasemzini)
