Babsy Mlangeni's Cause of Death Revealed After Iconic SA Musician Dies at 83
- Babsy Mlangeni passed away on 1 October 2026 after being hospitalised with serious breathing difficulties
- The legendary South African singer and guitarist had been battling lung problems for years before his death
- Mlangeni leaves behind a near six-decade musical legacy and his wife Emma, whom he married in 1968
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South Africa is mourning the loss of Babsy Mlangeni, one of its most beloved musicians, whose cause of death has now been made public following his passing last week.
The singer, born Bernard Mlangeni in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1943, died on the night of Thursday, 1 October 2026, at the age of 83. He had been admitted to Netcare in Mulbarton after experiencing severe breathing problems, with reports indicating he had been placed on oxygen. He then suffered a heart attack on the Tuesday before his death and was placed on life support. Mlangeni had reportedly been struggling with lung problems for a number of years.
A career born from resilience
Mlangeni lost his sight as a child and went on to attend the Athlone School for the Blind in Bellville, Western Cape, where he first picked up the guitar. That decision would define the rest of his life. He became a founding member of the All-Rounders in 1962, and the group's 1967 debut album, Coming Home, helped shape what would later be recognised as South African soul.
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His solo career produced some of the country's most enduring songs, including Sala Emma, Bua Nnete, Botsotso, Umadlembathini and Special Angel. Sala Emma, believed to have been inspired by his wife, became a true South African classic. His music spanned multiple languages, including isiZulu, isiXhosa and Setswana, giving him a reach that transcended regional and cultural boundaries.
A legacy honoured in his lifetime
The music industry recognised Mlangeni's contribution on more than one occasion. He received a South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 and again at the National Arts and Culture Awards in 2025.
Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi paid tribute to the musician, saying his work would endure far beyond his passing. Sibisi said:
"Through his distinctive voice, guitar and songwriting, he sang about love, longing, ordinary life and the times through which South Africans were living. His music travelled across generations, languages and communities, becoming part of the soundtrack of lives that were being lived, loved and remembered."
Mlangeni is survived by his wife Emma, whom he married in 1968, as well as his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His career spanned nearly six decades, a remarkable achievement for any artist and especially extraordinary given the barriers visually impaired musicians faced throughout much of his working life.
Babsy Mlangeni died at the age of 83
Veteran South African musician Babsy Mlangeni passed away on Thursday night following a short illness at the age of 83.
Born blind from the age of three, Mlangeni built a celebrated career spanning nearly six decades and became a household name.
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Source: Briefly News
