Renowned South African musician Bernard 'Babsy' Mlangeni passed away at the age of 83 following a brief illness. Tributes have been pouring in from the music industry and beyond, with the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) paying its respects to the legendary artist.
Mlangeni was an influential figure in South African music for nearly six decades, celebrated for timeless classics such as "Sala Emma", "Bua Nnete", and "Botsotso". His distinctive voice and songs about love and life became an integral part of many South Africans' lives, resonating with people across language and cultural lines.
Born in Orlando East, Soweto in 1943, Mlangeni lost his sight at the age of three and later attended the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town, where he learned to play the guitar. It was during his time at the school that he helped form a student band known as The All-Rounders, which played a significant role in shaping the sound of township soul, or South African soul.
As the lead singer of The All-Rounders, Mlangeni's soulful voice and captivating stage presence helped to establish him as a rising star in the South African music scene. His best-known song, "Sala Emma", a tender Sesotho ballad he wrote about his wife, Emma, catapulted him to fame and remains his signature hit to this day.
Throughout his career, Mlangeni sang in isiZulu, Sesotho, and isiXhosa, which helped his music transcend language and cultural barriers. He released several popular recordings, including "Bua Nnete", "Botsotso", "Lonely Man", and "Umadlembathini", cementing his status as a beloved and respected artist in South Africa.
Despite facing numerous obstacles as a blind musician, Mlangeni persevered and went on to build a remarkable career as a singer, guitarist, and composer. His contributions to South African music were recognised with multiple awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Music Awards in 2017 and another at the National Arts and Culture Awards in 2025.
Mlangeni's legacy extends beyond his own music, as he also mentored fellow visually impaired musician Steve Kekana and paved the way for future generations of South African artists. His songs, which span several decades, remain an essential part of South Africa's rich musical heritage, ensuring his memory and music will continue to inspire and uplift fans for years to come.
Key points
- Mlangeni's music crossed language and cultural lines, resonating with people across South Africa.
- He received multiple awards for his contributions to South African music, including Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2017 and 2025.
- Mlangeni mentored fellow visually impaired musician Steve Kekana and left a lasting legacy in the South African music industry.
