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 fans alike. The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) expressed its condolences, describing Mlangeni as an influential figure in South African music for nearly six decades. His music catalog includes timeless classics such as "Sala Emma", "Bua Nnete", and "Botsotso".
Born in 1943 in Orlando East, Soweto, Mlangeni lost his sight at the age of three. He attended the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town, where he learned to play the guitar and formed a student band called The All-Rounders. As the lead singer, Mlangeni's distinctive voice and style helped shape the sound of township soul, or South African soul. The genre gained popularity, and his music became an integral part of many South Africans' lives.
Mlangeni's best-known song, "Sala Emma", is a tender Sesotho ballad he wrote about his wife, Emma. The song catapulted him to fame and remains his signature hit. "Sala Emma" resonated with people beyond the Sesotho-speaking community, showcasing Mlangeni's ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. His other notable songs include "Bua Nnete", which was released in the early 1970s, as well as "Botsotso", "Lonely Man", and "Umadlembathini".
Throughout his career, Mlangeni sang in multiple languages, including isiZulu, Sesotho, and isiXhosa. This helped his music reach a broader audience and cement his status as a celebrated musician. As a guitarist and composer, Mlangeni's work was recognized with numerous awards. In 2017, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Music Awards, and another in 2025 at the National Arts and Culture Awards.
Mlangeni's impact on the music industry extended beyond his own performances. He mentored fellow visually impaired musician Steve Kekana, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. Despite facing obstacles as a blind musician, Mlangeni persevered and built a remarkable career spanning over five decades.
The South African music industry has lost a legendary figure, but Mlangeni's legacy lives on through his music. His songs remain an essential part of the country's rich musical heritage, continuing to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and fans. As the news of his passing spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to share their tributes and memories of Mlangeni.
The outpouring of condolences from the music industry and beyond is a testament to Mlangeni's enduring impact on South African music. His contributions have been acknowledged and celebrated, and his music will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for years to come. The Southern African Music Rights Organisation's tribute to Mlangeni underscores his importance as a pioneering figure in South African music.
Key points
- Mlangeni received 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 music spanned several decades and multiple languages, including isiZulu, Sesotho, and isiXhosa.
- He mentored fellow visually impaired musician Steve Kekana, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.
