South African music veteran Babsy Mlangeni has passed away at the age of 83 following a short illness.
It has been reported that Mlangeni died on Thursday night, 1 October 2026, bringing an end to a remarkable music career that spanned nearly 60 years.
From Sala Emma to Bua Nnete, Botsotso and Lonely Man, his songs became part of the soundtrack of many people’s lives. These were more than just songs — they were memories, stories and moments that generations grew up with.
But Babsy Mlangeni’s story was bigger than the music. As a visually impaired musician, he broke barriers and proved that talent knows no limits. His contribution to the industry was recognised with Lifetime Achievement Awards, cementing his place among South Africa’s respected music veterans.
The veteran musician was also honoured with a South African Music Awards (SAMA) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country’s music industry.
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