Social Media Influencer Exposes Affair with Late Gqom Legend Mampintsha
The legacy of Mandla Maphumulo, known professionally as Mampintsha, continues to be marred by revelations of alleged infidelity, as a social media personality has come forward claiming an intimate relationship with the late Big Nuz member.
Boitumelo Patricia, a popular nightclub hostess and social media influencer, made shocking admissions during an episode of "Slay Queens," detailing her alleged affair with the gqom pioneer who passed away in December 2022.
Disturbing Comparisons to Babes Wodumo
Patricia's revelations paint a troubling picture of Mampintsha's treatment of women. According to her account, the late artist would frequently compare her to his wife, Babes Wodumo (Bongekile Simelane), saying: "You remind me of Maboshongo, she was like this when she was younger. She liked colourful things like you."
This pattern of behaviour reflects deeper issues within relationships where Black women are often reduced to comparisons and objectified, even within their own communities.
A History of Abuse and Exploitation
The couple's relationship was notoriously turbulent, marked by public incidents of domestic violence that shocked the nation. In 2019, Mampintsha was caught on Babes' Instagram livestream physically assaulting the "Wololo" hitmaker, exposing the dark reality many Black women face behind closed doors.
Despite the abuse, societal pressures and economic dependencies often trap women in these destructive cycles. The couple later married and had a child together, highlighting how patriarchal structures continue to normalize male violence against women in our communities.
Systemic Issues Beyond Individual Actions
Patricia's admission, while accompanied by an apology to Babes Wodumo, raises critical questions about how our society enables men to exploit multiple women simultaneously. Her statement, "I'm sorry, it's not like I'm proud, but it happens," reflects the normalization of infidelity within relationships.
The reality show "Uthando Lodumo" documented these toxic dynamics, turning Black pain into entertainment while failing to address the underlying social and economic factors that perpetuate such relationships.
Community Response and Moving Forward
Online reactions have been mixed, with many condemning both Mampintsha's alleged behaviour and Patricia's decision to publicize the affair. However, the focus should shift toward addressing the systemic inequalities that create environments where such exploitation thrives.
As we reflect on Mampintsha's musical contributions to South African gqom culture, we must also confront the uncomfortable truths about how power dynamics and economic disparities continue to harm Black women in our communities.
The entertainment industry, particularly in post-apartheid South Africa, must do better in protecting vulnerable individuals and promoting healthier relationship models that respect the dignity of all involved.