Blab Music
Babes Wodumo Shines at Red Bull Symphonic in Johannesburg
The Red Bull Symphonic series lit up Johannesburg’s Montecasino on Saturday, 13 June, as a sold‑out crowd witnessed a rare blend of classical grandeur and South African groove. The program paired a full symphonic orchestra with contemporary house and gqom acts, including Sun‑El Musician, Dlala Thukzin, and Babes Wodumo. For the first time in the series, the event featured a double‑headliner format, with the orchestra conducted by Chad Hendricks.
Babes Wodumo—known for her energetic stage presence and choreography—delivered a high‑energy set that earned widespread praise. She appeared on stage in a black bubble minidress, a short blonde wig, and flawless makeup, striking a look that fans described as “scrumptious” and “legend queen.” Comments posted to Red Bull’s Instagram account captured the enthusiasm: “Oh, to see her winning. She sounds so so good,” and “Our legend queen is back and looking so scrumptious.” Another viewer noted that the performance “looked and sounded so good” and that the artist “gave the crowd goosebumps.”
The Red Bull Symphonic series has positioned itself as a platform that merges contemporary South African genres with classical orchestration. The 2026 edition, held on 13 and 14 June, was promoted as a “deliberate step into something bigger designed to elevate the experience.” The event drew a diverse audience, and critics and listeners alike highlighted the collaboration between the orchestra and the featured artists.
Babes Wodumo’s career has continued to expand in 2026. She is set to appear in the music video for Vusi Nova’s upcoming single “You’re All I Need,” playing the love interest. Nova’s Instagram caption for the video describes her as “the moonlight” and “the air I breathe in.” The video is expected to release in the coming weeks, following Nova’s recent success with the single “Umngan’wami.”
In October 2025, Babes released her album “Mabheshingo,” which received positive reviews for its blend of gqom rhythms and contemporary production. The release followed earlier work, including the 2016 debut “Gqom Queen, Vol. 1” and the 2020 album “Idando Kazi,” which featured the hit “eLamont” with Mampintsha.
Babes is married to fellow artist Mampintsha, a former member of Big Nuz. The couple’s partnership has been highlighted in media coverage, and their collaborative work is noted for its impact on the gqom scene.
The Red Bull Symphonic event reflected a broader trend of genre‑crossing performances in South Africa. The 2026 edition also featured Sun‑El Musician and Dlala Thukzin, who performed their catalogues reimagined with orchestral arrangements. Multiple outlets reported that both nights sold out and that audiences responded positively to the fusion of styles.
As the music industry explores new collaborative formats, Babes Wodumo’s appearance at Red Bull Symphonic and her upcoming video with Vusi Nova illustrate the artist’s ongoing relevance. Fans can expect to see her in future releases and performances, and her work remains a key component of the evolving South African music landscape.
Babes Wodumo—known for her energetic stage presence and choreography—delivered a high‑energy set that earned widespread praise. She appeared on stage in a black bubble minidress, a short blonde wig, and flawless makeup, striking a look that fans described as “scrumptious” and “legend queen.” Comments posted to Red Bull’s Instagram account captured the enthusiasm: “Oh, to see her winning. She sounds so so good,” and “Our legend queen is back and looking so scrumptious.” Another viewer noted that the performance “looked and sounded so good” and that the artist “gave the crowd goosebumps.”
The Red Bull Symphonic series has positioned itself as a platform that merges contemporary South African genres with classical orchestration. The 2026 edition, held on 13 and 14 June, was promoted as a “deliberate step into something bigger designed to elevate the experience.” The event drew a diverse audience, and critics and listeners alike highlighted the collaboration between the orchestra and the featured artists.
Babes Wodumo’s career has continued to expand in 2026. She is set to appear in the music video for Vusi Nova’s upcoming single “You’re All I Need,” playing the love interest. Nova’s Instagram caption for the video describes her as “the moonlight” and “the air I breathe in.” The video is expected to release in the coming weeks, following Nova’s recent success with the single “Umngan’wami.”
In October 2025, Babes released her album “Mabheshingo,” which received positive reviews for its blend of gqom rhythms and contemporary production. The release followed earlier work, including the 2016 debut “Gqom Queen, Vol. 1” and the 2020 album “Idando Kazi,” which featured the hit “eLamont” with Mampintsha.
Babes is married to fellow artist Mampintsha, a former member of Big Nuz. The couple’s partnership has been highlighted in media coverage, and their collaborative work is noted for its impact on the gqom scene.
The Red Bull Symphonic event reflected a broader trend of genre‑crossing performances in South Africa. The 2026 edition also featured Sun‑El Musician and Dlala Thukzin, who performed their catalogues reimagined with orchestral arrangements. Multiple outlets reported that both nights sold out and that audiences responded positively to the fusion of styles.
As the music industry explores new collaborative formats, Babes Wodumo’s appearance at Red Bull Symphonic and her upcoming video with Vusi Nova illustrate the artist’s ongoing relevance. Fans can expect to see her in future releases and performances, and her work remains a key component of the evolving South African music landscape.
