Babsy Mlangeni To Receive Special Provincial Official Funeral
The Gauteng government has granted legendary musician Bernard “Babsy” Mlangeni a Special Provincial Official Funeral following approval by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mlangeni, who died on 1 October 2026 at the age of 83 after an illness, is being honoured for his contribution to South African music and culture over a career spanning nearly six decades.
Born in Orlando East, Soweto, in 1943, Mlangeni lost his sight at the age of three. He rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of The All-Rounders before establishing himself as a singer, guitarist and composer. His popular songs include Sala Emma and Bua Nnete.
His achievements include winning the Black Music Award for Best Male Vocalist in 1975 and 1976, receiving a South African Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, and the Artist Living With Disability Award at the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards.
A memorial service was held at the Soweto Theatre on Thursday. His funeral is scheduled for Sunday, 11 October.
Mlangeni’s daughter, Zenzi Mlangeni, said the family wanted to “give him back to Soweto”, the township where he was born and began his musical journey.
The City of Ekurhuleni has also offered a grave at the Thomas Titus Nkobi Memorial Park in Boksburg.
