Peers mourn the death of Deborah Fraser

South African gospel music industry is mourning the loss of a great music star, Deborah “Debra” Fraser.

Fraser, 56, died yesterday afternoon at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital after months battling diabetes. Industry friends said for the past months they hoped that she was going to get better. But last week her health took a turn for the worst when she suffered a stroke.

The family said: “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. As Deborah Fraser’s family we would like to be given space to process and deal with this very tragic situation.”

The singer, who is known for hits like Abanye Bayombona and Hamba Sathane, has been battling diabetes for years. Last month she was spotted in Venda performing while sitting on a wheelchair.

She revealed to the media that she was recovering after spending time in hospital.  She began her career in 1985 as a backing singer and a session artist. She worked for many years with people like Sello “Chicco” Twala, producing albums like Maria Le Maria.

Fraser recorded her own album in 2000 titled Abanye Bayombona. It sold over 1-million copies.

Seasoned musician Nelly Dladla, who has known Fraser for many years, said her death was a big loss to the industry. She said when she was doing a show for AboMama Besxaxa in Klersdorp, North West, she booked Fraser.

“Debra shocked me when she arrived in Klerksdorp critically ill, wanting to perform. I asked her if she wanted to die on stage. She said she had to come because she was already paid for the gig. I told her to go to hospital where she was admitted.

“She was there for a while and when she came out she kept updating me that she was still feeling weak but the voice was fine. Debra was a lovely person who was giving and caring. She gave artists groceries in 2020 when no one was working. She also took [produce] from her farm, sharing with artists.”

People’s poet Mzwakhe Mbuli said Fraser’s death was a big loss to the industry. “Debra had an amazing, versatile voice.  She was multi-talented and could sing in any type of genre. She stood out with her elegant dress code complemented by that angelic voice … It is sad that she had to leave us.”

Nkululeko Khanye,  who assisted Fraser with publicity, said: “I find it difficult to accept the passing of Sis Deborah Fraser. She died during the struggle while the entertainment industry is facing a lot from the pandemic of Covid-19. I have been working with her for many years.

“She is a legend with 32 years in the industry. It’s been very tough working on her latest album, Omama Besililo, that has a song that features many artists. I am very hurt because we survived the worst during Covid-19 … me and her.”