Babsy Mlangeni turns 82!

LEGENDARY Babsy Mlangeni celebrates 82nd birthday.

To mark his birthday, which is on 24 February, the Siphiwe Msimango Foundation hosted a heartfelt tribute at Diepkloof Hall in Soweto on Sunday, 23 February.

The hall was packed with a diverse crowd of artists, locals and admirers, all who gathered to honour the musical icon. Guests fondly recalled moments listening to Mlangeni’s timeless tracks, especially his unforgettable hit: Sala Emma.

One of Babsy’s closest friends, Bob Mathebula reflected on their extraordinary friendship that has spanned an impressive 62 years.

He said:

“Babsy has been a brother to me, not just a friend. We’ve known each other since 1962 and this year marks our 63rd year together. We were inseparable growing up.”
He went on to recount how Babsy’s iconic song Sala Emma came to life during a pivotal time in Babsy’s life.

“He had just resigned from his job after only three months and we began our journey together in 1964. Babsy had this vision of teaching music to school children, especially those who were blind.

“I must admit, I had to learn to adjust to the idea, but with Babsy’s guidance, I saw the humanity in everyone, no matter their circumstances,” he said.

In a light-hearted moment before delivering his speech, Babsy joked: “Now every blind man is called Babsy Mlangeni!”

He took the crowd on a journey through his life, recalling how he lost eyesight at the tender age of three.

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“I want to thank God for allowing me to live to 82. So many people I grew up with are gone, Covid-19 took many of them and I still don’t know how I survived,” said Babsy.

He shared that his music career began in 1967 and it’s been an extraordinary 58 years of making music. “Our songs aren’t just fleeting hits. They endure,” he said.

Babsy also reflected on how, growing up, society often told him a blind person couldn’t achieve much.

“I’ve proven them wrong. And even those ladies who didn’t want anything to do with me when I was younger came around once I became relevant!” he said.

His gratitude towards his parents was evident as he credited them for never hiding him away due to his disability.

“They didn’t shield me from the world. I am who I am today because of them. Growing up was tough. I was ridiculed and called all sorts of names, but I never let that stop me.”

After delivering his heartfelt speech, Babsy took the stage with his long-time friend, Bob to perform Sala Emma. The song, full of emotion and nostalgia, had the crowd singing along, remembering their loved ones.