By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Veteran gospel star Deborah Fraser was laid to rest in her home province of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
The star died on May 15 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg surrounded by loved ones. She was 56.
The children of late gospel star have paid moving tributes to their mother.
Her daughter, Aaliyah, told mourners that although she lost a best friend, she has gained a powerful guardian angel.
“I’ve lost a best friend. Ngiyabonga ma. Thank you ma. I may have lost a mother but know that I have gained a very powerful guardian angel.”
Her son Nkosana says he would’ve loved to give her the life that she gave him before her death, but he will miss her.
“Ma, from Johannesburg to KwaMashu, you have done everything and lived life and lived it to the fullest. Part of me is happy that you are resting and no longer sick. Ma, I am going to miss you and would like to apologise for not giving you the life that you gave me. I ran out of time and would like to apologise for that.”
Fellow musician Sipho Mkhabane, known by the stage name Big Fish, remembered the talented Fraser as a joyous person.
“I don’t want to lie. It’s a difficult situation for the gospel industry. uDeborah to me is like a sister. We lived together in the music industry. We had a lot of time together and doing shows and all that. But we are here today to say guys a soldier has fallen. What we can do now is to just take the spear and move on. At the end of the day it’s the way that all of us are going to pass here,” says Mkhabane.
Artist Yvonne Chaka Chaka says government does not give artists enough support. Speaking during the funeral, Chaka Chaka says it’s up to artists to work together and support each other to succeed in the industry.
She said Fraser will live on through her music. Chaka Chaka thanked Fraser for the work she did for her while she was her backing vocalist.
Musician Benjamin Dube says Fraser loved to groom up-and-coming artists.
He said she left behind a strong legacy.
Dube added: “Those that are coming after her will be even greater because of her and we will make sure to get her legacy…because we have a heritage and especially the heritage sound of South Africa will never be challenged.
Livestream Video Below:
Video Courtesy of IceboLethuFunerals.