Veteran singer Babsy Mlangeni dies

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

He was born Bernard Mlangeni in Soweto in 1943 and later went to school at the Athlone School for the blind in Bellville, Western Cape, where he learned to play the guitar.

Mlangeni’s musical career spanned decades.

During his stay in the Western Cape, he joined a music band and, upon completion of his studies, continued on his musical journey.

In 1962, Mlangeni became one of the founding members of the All-Rounders, whose 1967 debut album, “Coming Home”, coined a new genre that was later known as South African soul.

Mlangeni’s music appealed to audiences across language and cultural boundaries, offering hits in Zulu, Xhosa, and Setswana.

He’s known for hits like Special Angel, Sala Emma, and Botsotso.

Gauteng arts and culture MEC Lebogang Maile has lauded Mlangeni as a mentor to young artists, including the late singer and falsetto maestro Steve Kekana.

“We have lost not only a gifted musician, but an artist whose voice and music became part of the soundtrack of the lives of generations of South Africans. His music gave hope to many during difficult times and provided guidance on the complexities of life through some of his captivating and remarkable songs,” Maile said.

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