GOSSIP CORNER: Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha

DEBASHINE THANGEVELO

IT’S HARD TO BUY THE ‘INDIAN LOVE’ STORY OF BABES WODUMO AND MAMPINTSHA

SHOWMAX dropped its original three-part reality series, Uthando Lodumo, featuring Bongekile “Babes Wodumo” Simelane and Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo.

Of course, there was plenty of interest in being a fly on the wall in the life of one of SA’s most controversial couples. More so, after that disturbing video of Mampintsha allegedly beating Babes went viral in 2019.

The country was outraged. Although the couple went to court over the alleged assault, they settled the matter out of court.

But that wasn’t the end of it.

People were furious when the celebrity couple reconciled and got engaged last year. Several weeks ago, they welcomed a baby boy into the world.

Now viewers are invited to witness the events in the build-up to the wedding.

If I didn’t know better, I would have believed the lovey-dovey behaviour hook, line and sinker.

And that’s the thing about reality TV; when someone is in front of the camera long enough, it’s difficult to mask their true colours.

That’s my issue with the series, which is directed and produced by Thomas Gumede and Lungile Radu through Parental Advisory. It feels staged.

At the outset, the gender-based violence incident is addressed during the lobola negotiations. Ready to put a ring on it, Mampintsha has to first make amends to the Simelanes.

But his letter of apology is rejected. Before the Swati and Zulu union can take place, he has to man up and apologise to her parents in person.

With the elephant in the room out of the way, the series showcases Mampintsha’s proposal live on air in the studio at Gagasi FM, preparations for the lobola payment as well as all the traditional planning and, of course, the outfits for the bride and groom.

As with most weddings, there is a bit of drama in play, too.

Is the series interesting? Yes. “Is it sincere?” Well, that’s what I grappled with most.

It feels like we are being fed a narrative with a hidden agenda. Also, the scenes feel like a set up.

I’m not cocky enough to think this reality show isn’t going to change public opinion of the couple and their powerful “Indian love”.

At the end of the day, it’s really not about what we think or say either.

We simply have to make peace with the poignant words of Babes: “Our love is very famous … Our journey hasn’t been easy but we managed to make it work. So whoever has a problem with us will eventually fall in line.”

♦ Uthando Lodumo is streaming on Showmax.