As South Africans mourn the passing of 83-year-old Babsy Mlangeni, a well-loved, celebrated singer, guitarist and composer, the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) remembers his exemplary life that was well lived. Mr Mlangeni did not allow his loss of sight at a tender young age to stop him from achieving his dream of becoming one of Africa’s most renowned and successful artists.
He will be remembered for his iconic song, Sala Emma, that became a defining South African pop song in its day. And his work did not go unnoticed. In 2017, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the South African Music Awards for his contribution to the music industry. He also received the Artist Living With Disability Award at the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards.
The ACDP would like to encourage our youth to learn from the legacy of this great musician who would not let anything stop him from achieving his dreams. Having a disability or being disadvantaged in life is not what determines your fate. Mr Mlangeni’s passion for music gave him his life’s purpose and he pursued that with all his heart and soul. His accolades bear testimony to his great talent, determination, and the impact he had on South African music and culture. May his legacy continue to inspire and influence many new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Mr Mlangeni was an inspirational mentor to many, including acclaimed South African musician, the late Steve Kekana, who was also visually-impaired. He helped break barriers for disabled musicians in South Africa.
Mr Mlangeni is cited as one of South Africa’s most disciplined artists who continued to entertain his audience even in his older years. His passion for music is something he loved to share at any given time. He first learned to play a guitar at Athlone School for the Blind, and this was the beginning of his nearly six-decade career during a time when visually-impaired musicians faced significant challenges.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, fellow musicians and many fans. May his soul rest in God’s eternal peace.
