South African singer, guitarist and composer Babsy Mlangeni has died at the age of 83 after a short illness, The South African reported.
He reportedly died on Thursday night, 1 October. His music career lasted nearly six decades.
President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the musician on social media. “Heartfelt condolences to his family, fans and the music fraternity. uBaba Mlangeni leaves us with a catalogue of hits like Sala Emma and other creations that made him an icon and inspired the creative sector in our country during the course of six decades,” Ramaphosa said.
“We pay tribute to the soothing and beautiful tunes he contributed in many languages to our musical heritage as we remember his outstanding talent and creativity,” the President added.
Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said Mlangeni’s music became part of the “soundtrack of the lives of generations of South Africans”.
Maile also said Mlangeni was a mentor to younger artists. One of them was the late falsetto singer Steve Kekana.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe said Mlangeni was part of the living history of the creative sector. The South African Music Rights Organisation, known as SAMRO, called him an influential voice in South African music.
Mlangeni was born Bernard Mlangeni in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1943. He lost his sight as a child.
He later went to the Athlone School for the Blind in Bellville, in the Western Cape. It was there that he learned to play the guitar.
The guitar stayed with him for his whole career. According to the report, he built that career at a time when blind musicians faced big barriers.
In 1962, he helped start a group called the All-Rounders. The group released its first album, Coming Home, in 1967.
That album helped shape a sound that later became known as South African soul.
Mlangeni then became a well known name as a solo artist. His hits included Sala Emma, Bua Nnete, Botsotso, Umadlembathini and Special Angel.
Sala Emma was reportedly inspired by his wife. The song went on to become a South African classic.
He sang in isiZulu, isiXhosa and Setswana, and his songs reached fans across language lines.
Away from the stage, Mlangeni challenged ideas about what people with disabilities can do. The report said he inspired other blind and partially sighted artists.
His work earned him a South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
In 2025, he received another Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Arts and Culture Awards.
Fans across the country have also sent messages of sympathy to his family and shared memories of his music.
Source: this article is based on reporting by The South African. Image: The South African. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.