Staff Reporter
The iconic gospel singer died on Sunday following a brief illness, according to a family statement posted on social media.
“It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the demise of our beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, and Gospel musician, Dr Deborah Fraser, following a brief illness,” reads the statement.
She first appeared in the music industry as a background vocalist in 1985. However, in the year 2000, she smashed records with her award-winning album ‘Abanye Bayombona.’
Deborah Fraser was born on June 9, 1966. Singing had always been a love of hers, and growing up in a Christian environment made it natural that she would seek a career in gospel throughout her childhood. Fraser came to Johannesburg at the age of 20 and landed work as a backup vocalist for international stars such as Lucky Dube, and Brenda Fassie, to name a few.
The Christian Leadership Academy awarded Fraser a Doctor of Philosophy in Sacred Music in November 2021.
Deborah Fraser told the Daily Sun last month that she had been sick and hospitalized between February and March. “It all started when I began to vomit uncontrollably and lost my strength, I have not been able to walk since that time,” she explained. “When I try to walk, my movement coordination is poor because when I want to go right, I go left,”
She is survived by her son and grandkids.
Social media is flooded with tributes to the singer.