After a challenging period in her personal life, Babes Wodumo, the Queen of Gqom, is back — and she’s doing it in style with her latest single, “Ekhoneni”, a collaboration with Lelowhatsgood featuring Rifle Deep. Dropped today ahead of her highly anticipated EP MABESHINGO, “Ekhoneni” showcases Babes’ signature energy while introducing a fresh wave of talent to the Gqom scene.
The single is a celebration of rhythm, resilience, and community — blending the raw intensity of Gqom with modern EDM influences. While Babes has always been a dominant force in the genre, “Ekhoneni” proves she’s not just maintaining her throne; she’s expanding it, inviting new voices and sounds into her musical kingdom.
“I took time to reflect on life’s events and the love I’ve received from my fans,” Babes said. “Their support, especially during the difficult time of losing my husband Mampintsha, has meant the world. Ekhoneni and the other tracks from MABESHINGO are dedicated to him, to my fans, and to everyone who believes in the power of music to heal and inspire.”
The single is part of a trio of releases today that also includes “Sip n See” and the Maskandi-inspired “Ngakuthanda Kahulu”, giving listeners a taste of Babes’ versatility. But “Ekhoneni” stands out for its infectious beat, collaborative energy, and ability to fuse Gqom’s signature pulse with the next generation of urban sounds.
Created during an August song camp organised by Content Connect Africa, the track exemplifies Babes’ vision of mentoring fresh talent while reclaiming her space in the genre she helped define. It’s a powerful reminder that even after loss and hiatus, Babes Wodumo remains the unchallenged Queen of Gqom, ready to usher in a new era with her MABESHINGO EP, set to drop on 17 October.
