By The South African creative community is in mourning following the passing of legendary musician, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer Ntate Babsy Mlangeni. Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, led tributes to the iconic artist, describing his death as a profound loss for the nation’s cultural landscape.
Mlangeni’s remarkable musical journey began during his formative years at the Athlone School of the Blind in Bellville, where he joined a school band. In 1962, he cemented his place in history as one of the founding members of the All-Rounders.
The group’s 1967 debut album, “Coming Home,” effectively heralded a brand-new genre that would come to be known as South African soul.
Over a career spanning decades, Mlangeni released numerous albums and a catalogue of timeless singles that transcended borders and generations. Classics such as Special Angel, Iphupho lami, Bua Nnete, and Botsotso became part of the country’s collective soundtrack, offering hope and guiding listeners through life’s complexities during difficult eras.
Operating as a visually impaired artist in an industry filled with systemic barriers, Mlangeni broke boundaries and went on to mentor a generation of upcoming musicians, including fellow visually impaired icon Steve Kekana. MEC Maile emphasized that Mlangeni’s legacy will endure through his extensive catalogue, the artists he shaped, and the countless lives he touched.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has extended its deepest condolences to the Mlangeni family, friends, and music lovers worldwide, noting that the ultimate tribute to the late icon is to continue fostering opportunities for young artists to build sustainable careers in the creative economy.
