WeeklySA_AdminLEGEND: Honoured with a Special Provincial Official Funeral, the legendary singer leaves a musical legacy spanning nearly six decades — and a life that opened doors for others living with disabilities…
By WSAM Reporter
Legendary singer, guitarist and composer Bernard “Babsy” Mlangeni will be laid to rest on Sunday, 11 October, with a Special Provincial Official Funeral granted by the Gauteng government following approval by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mlangeni died on 1 October 2026, aged 83, after an illness. A memorial service celebrating his life and contribution to South African music was held at the Soweto Theatre on Thursday.
Born in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1943, 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, laying the foundation for a career spanning almost six decades.
He rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of The All-Rounders before establishing himself as a singer, guitarist and composer. Songs such as Sala Emma and Bua Nnete helped secure his place in South Africa’s musical heritage.
His distinctive voice and songs about ordinary people’s lives reached across generations, languages and communities.
“That was Babsy’s gift: he did not need people to speak the same language to feel the same emotion. His music carried warmth, romance, resilience and the experiences of ordinary people,” said Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.
“It was music that people could dance to, sing along to, remember their youth through and pass from one generation to the next.”
A LIFE THAT OPENED DOORS
Mlangeni’s achievements challenged perceptions about what people living with disabilities could accomplish. He also mentored younger musicians, including the late Steve Kekana.
“Babsy’s story was never only about music. It was about determination, talent and breaking barriers. He did not allow blindness to define the limits of his life or his talent. Instead, he became an example to many and helped open the door for others,” McKenzie said.
At the height of his popularity, Mlangeni won the Black Music Award for Best Male Vocalist in both 1975 and 1976. In 2017, he received a South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
He remained part of the country’s cultural life in his later years. In July 2025, he performed alongside fellow legends at the department’s tribute concert honouring Abigail Kubeka. That year, McKenzie presented him with the Artist Living With Disability Award at the National Arts and Culture Awards.
“It was a particular honour for me to bestow that award upon Babsy.
There is something important about giving our legends their flowers while they can still smell them,” McKenzie said.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe described Mlangeni as more than a musician.
“He was part of the living history of our creative sector, and his contribution helped shape the sound and cultural identity of our nation.
His life was a testament to the power of music to tell our stories, preserve our heritage and bring people together across generations,” she said.
