LALA NGOXOLO: Deborah Fraser’s family claimed she died away after a brief illness. Photo by Gallo Images/ Oupa Bopape

 

 

 
A DARK SILENCE has crept over the local entertainment business.

The famous, multi-award-winning gospel vocalist Dr Deborah Fraser (56) has gone away.

A few weeks ago she told Daily sun she was hoped she would get better, but it was not to be.

In a brief statement, Fraser’s family reported she died away on Sunday, 15 May soon after noon, surrounded by her family and friends.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Nontando Mafisa said: “It is with profound regret to notify you of the demise of our dear mother, sister, aunt and friend, and gospel artist, Deborah Fraser after a brief illness.”

Mafisa added as the Fraser family they would want to be given room to reflect and cope with the extremely unfortunate circumstance.

On 22 April, Deborah spoke up to the People’s Paper that she was not doing well and that was the reason why she could not walk anymore.

Fraser claimed that she had been in and out of hospital and in February she was sick for two months.

Although she was unwell, she was confident she would get better since she was receiving all the assistance from the doctors and nurses.

The Umsamaria hitmaker has acknowledged throughout the years that she was diabetic.

In 2009, her mother succumbed to diabetes.

Former public relations manager at Universal Records, Thabiso Mogwatlhe, told Daily Sun he was still in astonishment after hearing the news.

He said that they had worked together for more than 23 years.

He said, “Now I don’t have the energy to chat, but tomorrow I will go meet the family.”

Gospel musician Luyanda Ramatswi, who is also a member of the group, expressed his sadness upon hearing the news.

He said that Fraser was to him what a mother would be to a child.

He remarked, “She had a significant impact on my career as a musician.”

“I don’t know what to say. I had a conversation with her on Friday, when she offered me to pray at her home, but I was unable to attend since I didn’t feel like I was in good spiritual health. That was the last time I had any contact with her.

The veteran vocalist started her career in 1985 as a background singer, and in 2000 she released her self-titled album under the name Abanye Bayombona.

More than one million copies of the record have been sold. Her tenth studio album, Uhambo, included a total of 14 songs and included the smash single “Ngeke Ngiyeke Ukuthandaza.”