Multi-Award winning gospel singer Deborah Fraser has passed away, aged 56, at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. The family said in a statement on social media that the legendary gospel singer died on Sunday after battling a short illness.
“”It is with deep sadness [that we] 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.” reads the statement.
“As Fraser’s family, we would like to be given space to process and deal with this very tragic situation,” said the statement from the family.
ALSO READ: Siyabonga Zubane Gomora Actor Sdumo Passes Away
According to SowetanLIVE, Deborah had been critically ill for the past seven days. Fraser has been struggling with diabetes for years. In February this year, she spent weeks at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. After she recovered from the serious diabetic attack she could not walk and had to be confined to a wheelchair, while she also struggled with night blindness or dizziness.
View this post on Instagram
RIP: Dr Deborah Fraser
Vetaran Gospel artist Dr Deborah Fraser has passed.
According to a family statement she passed on Sunday. #RIPDeborahFraser pic.twitter.com/joqVljBVdQ
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) May 15, 2022
We have just learned with utmost grief and sadness that legendary gospel singer, Ausie Deborah Fraser has passed away. Her death has robbed us of a counsellor of our troubled souls and healer of our broken hearts. May her soul rest in eternal peace 💔 #RIPDeborahFraser pic.twitter.com/rX3LZyYZKh
— Zama Mvulane (@_ZamaMvulane) May 15, 2022
Deborah Fraser began her career in 1985 as a backing singer, and recorded her own album in 2000, titled Abanye bayombona. The album has sold over 1 million copies. Uhambo is her 10th studio album with 14 songs, including the hit, “Ngeke ngiyeke ukuthandaza”.
Image Courtesy: twitter.com/dizitayriana