Johannesburg – South African music veteran Babsy Mlangeni has died at the age of 83 following a short illness.
Blind since childhood, Mlangeni built a career of more than five decades, establishing himself as a singer, guitarist, composer and songwriter.
He began his professional music career in 1968.
Mlangeni’s breakthrough came with Sala Emma, which helped propel him to prominence.
His extensive catalogue includes Special Angel, Isiphukuphuku, African Woman, Music Was Born in Africa, Botswana, Isithembu, Come A Little Closer, Ba Kae and O Rapele.
Mlangeni’s contribution to South African music has also earned major recognition. He received a South African Music Awards lifetime honour in 2017, followed by another lifetime achievement award at the National Arts and Culture Awards in May 2025.
