Big Nuz’s Mampinsha has died aged 40

It has been confirmed that musician Mandla ‘Mampintsha‘ Maphumulo, who suffered a minor stroke last week, has passed away. 

There were numerous reports earlier on Saturday on social media that the Big Nuz member had died. The Citizen has received confirmation of this from Mampintsha’s close friend and fellow artist DJ Tira.

Mampintsha dead age 40

DJ Tira said: “This is the saddest day. We were so close and so happy recently, excited about the Big Nuz come back. Why now?”

He added that an official statement will follow.

The record label released a statement earlier this week stating that Mampintsha was in hospital “receiving medical attention and was under doctor’s observation”.

Mampintsha was admitted to King Edward Hospital in Durban and later transferred to Durdoc Hospital in Durban Central, TimesLIVE reported. 

At the time, the family asked for privacy and for well wishes. 

There was shock on Twitter as many fans sent their condolences to Mampintsha’s family, particularly his wife Babes Wodumo (real name Bongekile Simelane), as the couple share a son Sponge. 

The pair tied the knot in 2021 and their wedding was screened in a Showmax special, in addition to the reality TV show Uthando Lodumo.

Despite the couple having a tumultuous public life, the pair stuck together throughout the ups and downs in the last decade.

Condolences pour in for Mampintsha

Big Nuz

The Kwaito musical group is attributed to have made many songs for the summer and December seasons. Mampintsha is the founder of Big Nuz, the other two members are Mzi (a.k.a. Danger) and Sbu (a.k.a. Mashesha).

They made hit songs such as Umilio, Sting Ray and Ntombenhle. Umilio won Record of The Year at the South African Music Awards (Samas) in 2010.