SA musician Mampintsha passes away

Mampintsha, who was married to singer Babes Wodumo, succumbed to a stroke at a hospital in Durban. News about his death were confirmed by West Ink Records manager Sbu Ncube to local media.

Before Mampintsha’s death, record label Afrotainment had released a statement on Wednesday confirming rumours that the hitmaker had been admitted to Edward Hospital in Durban.

Local artists and music industry players took to social media to convey their condolences following news of the artist’s passing.

“In memory of Big Nuz group member Mandla ‘Mampintsha’ Maphumulo, SAMRO sends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and industry colleagues,” the Southern African Music Rights Organisation wrote on social media. “Mampintsha will always be remembered for his immense contribution to the South African music industry.”

DJ Tira wrote: “Kwaze kwabuhlungu [It hurts], Rest in peace Mampintsha mfowethu ngohlala ngikuthanda [brother, I will always love you].”

DJ Mac Deep wrote: “You know the world never cares about you until you die. That’s just the world and we can’t change that. I extend my deepest condolences to Babes Wodumo and the entire Maphumulo family at large. Mampintsha your contribution to the music scene remains immense. RIP Shimora.”

Mampintsha gained fame as part of the Big Nuz trio alongside Danger and R Mashesha, who died in 2015. The group broke up, prompting Mampintsha to pursue a solo career and start his West Ink Records label, which signed artists including Babes Wodumo and Distruction Boyz.

Hits by and featuring Mampintsha during his solo career include ‘What Time Is it’, ‘Umcimbi Wethu’, ‘Amaketanga’ and ‘Wololo’.