South African Music Veteran Babsy Mlangeni Dies At 83 After Short Illness

South African music veteran Babsy Mlangeni has died at the age of 83 following a short illness.

Mlangeni spent more than five decades in the music industry, establishing himself as a singer, guitarist and composer. His career produced a catalogue of popular recordings and saw him become one of the country's recognised music veterans.

Babsy Mlangeni’s Music Career Spanned Five Decades

Babsy Mlangeni rose to prominence in the early 1970s with Bua Nnete, before releasing a series of recordings that became associated with his career. His catalogue included songs such as Sala Emma, Botsotso, Lonely Man and Umadlembathini.

His music reached audiences across linguistic and cultural lines, with Mlangeni recording in isiZulu, Sesotho and isiXhosa. Over the years, his work helped establish his place in South Africa's music history.

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Mlangeni was born in Soweto in 1943 and later attended the Athlone School for the Blind in Cape Town. It was there that he learned to play the guitar and began developing the musical skills that would shape his career.

Babsy Mlangeni Overcame Barriers To Build Music Legacy

Mlangeni went on to pursue music professionally, working as a vocalist, guitarist and composer. His career unfolded during a period when blind musicians faced significant barriers within the industry.

Despite those challenges, he continued recording and performing for decades. His contribution to South African music was later recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards.

Mlangeni's influence also extended beyond his own recordings, with the veteran playing a role in nurturing younger talent.

Babsy Mlangeni Remembered For Mentoring Young Musicians

Among the musicians he mentored was fellow visually impaired artist Steve Kekana. Mlangeni's involvement in developing younger talent added another dimension to a career that extended beyond his own performances.

His death marks the end of a decades-long musical journey. He leaves behind a body of work spanning generations and multiple South African languages, forming part of the country's rich musical heritage.