Friday, 2 October 2026:-  The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of legendary South African musician Bernard Babsy Mlangeni (24 February 1943 – 1 October 2026).

The SACP also sends its message of condolences to the entire music fraternity, which he enriched with his craft for over five decades, as well as the people of South Africa for the loss.

Affectionately known among music fans as “Babsy”, Mlangeni’s life had a humble background, as he grew up in Orlando East, Soweto. Notwithstanding the extreme limitations imposed by the apartheid system on black people, Babsy went on to become one of the most revered musicians in South Africa. He defied the apartheid regime’s limitations and went on to become a multi-instrumentalist and a vocalist, with his music crossing language and cultural boundaries as he recorded in isiZulu, Sesotho and isiXhosa. He played the guitar, the harmonica, the saxophone, the flute and the piano.

Having become blind from the age of three, Babsy endured further challenges in his community. He was subjected to bullying, in addition to the infrastructural backwardness that created a disabling impact on people who were visually impaired. At Athlone School of the Blind in Bellville, his talent was without doubt, as he joined the student band. He was already making and playing his own guitar from old oil cans when his mother bought him a radiogram and a guitar, which allowed him to buy records for himself and listen to music that he loved.

Babsy Mlangeni’s talent began to reach wider audiences following the founding of The Alrounders music group in 1962 in Soweto, where he became its lead singer. With the intention to make music their profession, following the breakup of the band, in 1967, Babsy and former bandmate Koloi Lebona decided to make music their profession. The new All-Rounders band had a new lineup, with Babsy continuing as its lead singer. They released their debut album, “Coming Home”, with the song “Sala Emma” being their breakout song, which heralded a new genre later known as South African soul.

Throughout this period, discrimination for his visual impairment alongside racial prejudice did not subside, however. Babsy, nonetheless, persevered, and, in the process, inspiring many young people with different disabilities. He continued to make music, among which included Soul of Babsy (1977), Nansi Lendoda (1979), Music Was Born In Africa (1983), Special Angel (1985), Babsy 2001 (2001), and Awukho Umsebenzi (2006), among others.

Babsy’s legacy as South Africa’s first black blind superstar will continue to inspire many people for many years to come.

In tribute to a true South Africa hero, the SACP calls upon the people of South Africa to come together and preserve the legacy of Babsy Mlangeni in their daily lives – as well as the legacies of many other musicians and music talents who have made their mark in contributing to uniting the people. We also call upon the government to invest more in unearthing musical talents in rural and township communities, particularly among people with disabilities and families who raise children with special needs.