Music icon Babsy Mlangeni reflects on his career: ‘I have proved them wrong’

702’s Clement Manyathela speaks with musician Babsy Mlangeni.

Listen below:

Reflecting on his iconic song ‘Sala Emma’, Mlangeni says he did not know it would grow so quickly.

Despite the lyrics being in Sotho, the song was a favourite in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and even in Cape Town.

“I didn’t know that the song would be special… up until today, I don’t know what made us choose that song [as a single], it just came and I think it’s how God planned it.” 

– Babsy Mlangeni, musician

On growing up without his sight... he says it was tough, but it allowed him to have a greater appreciation for other things. 

Mlangeni is grateful to his parents for consistently supporting him and pushing him to step up and stand proud.

“People actually thought blind people are just there to beg, there is nothing else that they can do… there is nothing that you can achieve - but I have proved them wrong.” 

– Babsy Mlangeni, musician

“I was lucky that I had the God-given talent to be able to write quality music, and music with a message to South Africans at large.” 

– Babsy Mlangeni, musician

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.