Legendary South African musician Babsy Mlangeni received a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 National Arts and Culture Awards held at Sun City’s Super Bowl on 22 May. The event was hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in partnership with the SABC.
Mlangeni has been in the music industry for 58 years and previously received a lifetime honour at the South African Music Awards in 2017. Speaking about the recognition, he said it shows his enduring relevance in the industry and that he feels deeply honoured.
Despite the accolades, Mlangeni said making a living from music has become increasingly difficult. He explained that traditional sales of CDs, cassettes, and vinyl have declined, and while digital platforms report millions of views, the revenue does not match the exposure.
He also revealed challenges in securing bookings for government-sponsored events such as Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, Heritage Day, and 16 December celebrations. According to Mlangeni, only selected musicians are booked, leaving many established and emerging artists struggling for opportunities, including disabled musicians who face limited exposure.
The National Arts and Culture Awards celebrate excellence across South Africa’s creative industries, including performing arts, visual arts, literature, design, film, and cultural heritage. Dr Cynthia Ntombifuthi Khumalo, Director-General of DSAC, said the awards recognise legacy, uplift trailblazers, and inspire the next generation of artists.
The 2025 NACA winners included Freedom Park Heritage Site Museum for Outstanding Cultural Landscape, Mphumelelo Dlamini for Outstanding Musician, and Old Righteous Blues by Catharina Weinek for Outstanding Film Fiction. Other categories recognised achievements in literature, design, visual arts, performing arts, and audiovisual production.
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