MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 7 October 2026
ISSUED BY: Office of the President, Blind SA
BLIND SA PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MUSIC LEGEND BABSY MLANGENI: A PIONEER, ROLE MODEL, AND BEACON OF POSSIBILITY
JOHANNESBURG — It is with deep sadness and immense reverence that Blind SA marks the passing of veteran South African music icon, Bernard “Babsy” Mlangeni, who passed away on 1 October 2026 at the age of 83. On behalf of Blind SA, our executive committee, members, and the entire community of blind and visually impaired South Africans, I offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Emma, his children, grandchildren, and his millions of fans across the country.
Babsy Mlangeni as more than a gifted artist; he was a pioneer who shattered barriers and redefined what was possible for visually impaired musicians in South Africa.
Having lost his sight as a child, Babsy attended the Athlone School for the Blind in Bellville, Western Cape, where he first picked up the guitar. That instrument would become his lifelong companion, carrying him through a career spanning nearly six decades. At a time when prejudice and systemic barriers severely restricted opportunities for persons with disabilities, Babsy refused to let his sight define his limits.
In 1962, he co-founded The All-Rounders, helping shape what became known as South African Soul through their seminal 1967 debut album Coming Home. He went on to become a household name with timeless hits like Sala Emma, Bua Nnete, Botsotso, Umadlembathini, and Special Angel. His music transcended language and cultural boundaries, unifying audiences through songs written in isiZulu, isiXhosa, and Setswana.
For the blind community, Babsy Mlangeni served as a vital role model and mentor. He demonstrated to generations of visually impaired youth—including fellow icons such as the late Steve Kekana—that disability is not inability. He proved that with talent, perseverance, and passion, a blind artist could reach the highest peaks of the national stage. His legacy was rightfully recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) in 2017 and the National Arts and Culture Awards in 2025.
Babsy Mlangeni gave a voice to hope, love, and resilience during some of South Africa’s most challenging decades. His journey stands as an enduring beacon for accessibility, inclusion, and the extraordinary power of the human spirit.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his music continue to play on in the heart of our nation.
Media Contacts & Inquiries:
Office of the President Blind SA
Website: www.blindsa.org.za
Telephone: +27 (0)11 839 1793 | 060 976 8435