Bernard ‘Babsy’ Mlangeni remembered for his music, humour and resilience

The memorial service offered a portrait of the singer, guitarist and composer beyond his musical achievements, with speakers recalling his generosity, mentorship, resilience and sense of humour.

Musician William ‘Mr Everything’ Mthethwa opened the service with a prayer, followed by tributes from Joe Nina and Vusi Mahlasela. Nina extended his condolences to Mlangeni’s family and reflected on the veteran musician’s contribution to South African music. Paul Nkanyane also paid tribute, sharing in the remembrance of an artist whose work had touched colleagues and audiences over many years.

For Mahlasela, the loss was personal. He recalled speaking to Mlangeni frequently and growing up listening to his music. What stood out, however, was the warmth with which Mlangeni treated him, making him feel as though they had known each other for years.

Mahlasela compared this quality to that of former president Nelson Mandela, whom he remembered as having a similar ability to make people feel comfortable and personally recognised. His recollections presented Mlangeni as someone whose influence extended beyond the stage, built through the relationships he formed with others.

Humour also featured prominently in the tributes. Speakers recalled Mlangeni’s jokes about load-shedding and his ability to navigate everyday situations while living with visual impairment. Although blindness presented considerable challenges, he continued to pursue his musical career, demonstrating a determination that became an important part of his story.

Musician Godfrey performed in Mlangeni’s honour, while fellow artist Thami Ndluli recalled watching him play to packed venues during his formative years. Ndluli called for a hall or street to be named after Mlangeni in recognition of his contribution to South Africa’s cultural landscape.

Gauteng MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile described Mlangeni’s life as an idea, a philosophy and a calling, reflecting the broader significance of his journey and contribution to the arts.

Born in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1943, Mlangeni became known for songs including ‘Sala Emma’, ‘Bua Nnete’ and ‘Botsotso’. His contribution to the music industry was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards in 2017 and the Artist Living With Disability Award at the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards.

His daughter, Zenzi Mlangeni, previously explained that the family chose Soweto Theatre for the memorial because Soweto was where her father was born and began his musical journey. Holding the service there allowed community members and fans to pay their respects in a place closely connected to his life and career.

Mlangeni was scheduled to be laid to rest on Sunday, 11 October, at South Park Cemetery in the East Rand, where other prominent South Africans, including anti-apartheid struggle hero Chris Hani, are commemorated.

The Soweto gathering brought together music, personal recollections and expressions of grief. While his songs and awards formed part of Mlangeni’s legacy, the tributes also revealed the qualities that made him memorable to those who knew him: his warmth, humour and determination to keep making music despite the challenges he faced.