Gospel singer, Deborah Fraser dies

Mako Jerera

 

Award winning South African gospel artist Deborah Fraser has died.

She died on 15 May 2022 at the age of 56, at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa after suffering a stroke.

 

The family confirmed the news in a statement on social media.

“It is with deep sadness to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, and Gospel musician, Dr Deborah Fraser, following a short illness,” reads the statement.

 

Fraser died on Sunday afternoon “in the presence of her family and friends.”

Her family has asked for “space to process and deal with this very tragic situation,” adding that the public will be updated regarding memorial service and funeral arrangements.

 

The 56-year-old has reportedly been unwell lately and has not been active in the industry for some time.

 

According to reports, Fraser confirmed last month that she could not walk after a video of her performing in a wheelchair circulated on social media. She revealed in an interview with Daily Sun that she was bound to a wheelchair and couldn’t walk.

 

She began her career in 1985 as a backing singer, and recorded her own album in 2000, titled Abanye Bayombona. The album has sold over 1 million copies. Uhambo is her 10th studio album with 14 songs, including the hit, “Ngeke ngiyeke ukuthandaza”.

 

She won the first SABC Crown Gospel Music award in the Best Female Artist category, among other awards SAMA for best gospel, Metro award for best gospel, and Kora for best gospel artist.

 

She leaves behind a son and an undisclosed number of grandchildren.

Indeed the South African gospel music industry will never be the same without her silky voice.