Babes Wodumo, a prominent figure in Durban's gqom scene, gained international recognition for her blend of sweet yet powerful vocals with the hypnotic gqom sound, reminiscent of stripped-down kwaito. Her breakthrough single "Wololo" from the debut album Gqom Queen, Vol. 1 in 2016 propelled her to fame, leading to collaborations with Major Lazer and a feature on the Black Panther soundtrack. Despite media attention on her personal life, Wodumo continues to release music and collaborate with South African artists, solidifying her presence in the global entertainment industry.
Born Bongekile Simelane in 1994, Babes Wodumo, as she is affectionately known, began her artistic journey in singing and dancing in the early 2010s. Her hit single "Wololo" marked the start of her successful music career, earning her nominations at prestigious events like the South African Music Awards and the BET Awards. Collaborations with renowned artists like Zacari and Major Lazer followed, further expanding her reach. Wodumo's second album, Idando Kazi, released in July 2020, showcases her continued growth and influence in the music industry.
