By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image: Instagram.
The legendary gospel singer, Deborah Fraser,56 has passed away on Sunday after a short illness.
Fraser’s health took a turn for the worst last week when she suffered a stroke, died at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement, the family of gospel singer Fraser confirmed her passing on Sunday 15 May 2022.
“It is with deep sadness to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, and Gospel musician, Deborah Fraser following a short illness. She passed on today (Sunday) after midday, in the presence of her family and friends.”
The family requests privacy as they process the news.
“As Deborah Fraser’s family we would like to be given space to process and deal with this very tragic situation. The public will be further informed of any developments.”
Fraser was hospitalised from February to March last year and was recently bound to a wheelchair after some health complications and asked for prayers after falling ill on her way to a gig at Klerksdorp in the North West.
She was a renowned gospel artist who began her illustrious career in 1985 as a back-up vocalist for local and international artists such as Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Lucky Dube and Brenda Fassie, to name a few.
Fraser recorded her own album in 2000, titled Abanye Bayombona. The album has sold more than 1m copies. She has had a successful and illustrious music career. She won the SABC Crown Gospel Music Award in the Best Female Artist category.
Fraser has released albums such as Udlalile Ngabantu, Giloria, Isililo, Umsamaria, Awusenasabelo, Umqhele, Thanksgiving and Uhambo.
Recently she was honoured with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Sacred Music by the Christian leadership Academy.