Deborah Fraser (singer)

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Deborah Fraser
Born(1965-06-09)9 June 1965
KwaMashu, Natal, South Africa
Died15 May 2022(2022-05-15) (aged 56)
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actress
Spouse
Sockey Okeke
​
​
(m. 2007; div. 2008)​
[1]
Musical career
OriginJohannesburg
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active1985–2022
LabelUniversal

Deborah Marcia Fraser (9 June 1965 – 15 May 2022)[2][3][4] was a South African gospel singer. She began her career in 1985 as a backing singer, before releasing her own album, Abanye Bayombona, in 2000, which sold over a million copies in South Africa.

Fraser's tenth studio album, Uhambo, was released in 2016 and included the hit single "Ngeke Ngiyeke Ukuthandaza".[5]

She has won the first South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Crown Gospel Music award in the Best Female Artist category, as well as other awards including the SAMA for best gospel, Metro award for best gospel, and Kora for best gospel artist.[6][7][8]

Career

In 1984, Fraser relocated to Johannesburg and worked as a backup vocalist for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie, Rebecca Malope, Hugh Masekela, and Jonas Gwangwa.[9]

Her first solo studio album, Abanye Bayombona, was released in 2000.[9] Following the album's success, she was signed by Universal Music.[9]

In September 2008, Fraser was a judge for the I Want to Sing Gospel competition.[10] She also acted in the 2010 drama series Hola Mpinji!.[11]

At the 23rd ceremony of South African Music Awards her album Uhambo was nominated for Best Traditional Faith Album.

On 12 April 2019, she released another studio album, titled OkaJehova Akanqotshwa.[12]

Personal life

Fraser was married to Nigerian pastor Sockey Okeke.[13] In October 2021, Fraser was honored by the Trinity International Bible University with a doctor of philosophy in the sacred space of music.[9][14]

Death

Fraser died on 15 May 2022 at age 56, at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, after suffering a stroke.[15]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums
Title Album details
Bring Mr Back My Love (Hot Soul singers) Released: 1987
Rhythm on Fire Released: 1990
Umagubane (Chicco Twala production) Released: 1997
Mbulali Wami (with Maria le Maria) Released: 1999
Abanye Bayombona Released: 2000
Born Again Released: 2001
Udlalile Ngabantu Released: 2003
Ngikuxolele Released: 2004
Giloria Released: 2005
Isililo Released: 2007
Umsamaria Released: 2008
Deborah Live Released: 2009
Uthando Released: 2009
Awunasabelo Released: 2010
Umqhele
Thanksgiving
  • Released: 2015
  • Format: digital download, CD
Uhambo Released: 26 February 2016
OkaJehova Akanqotshwa
  • Released: 12 April 2019
  • Format: digital download, CD
Jehovah Ngiyabonga
  • Released: 19 May 2023
  • Format: digital download, streaming

References

  1. "Hubby bashes gospel singer". SowetanLIVE. 5 August 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  2. "Deborah Fraser". sampra. Archived from the original on 28 February 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  3. Tiffany Akwasi (24 September 2019). "Deborah Fraser biography: age, family, songs, albums, and Instagram". briefly.co.za.
  4. Molosankwe, Compiled by Botho. "BREAKING | Gospel singer Deborah Fraser dies after short illness". News24. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  5. "Hubby bashes gospel singer". Sowetan. 5 August 2008. Archived from the original on 20 September 2008. Retrieved 16 April 2009.
  6. Mojapelo, Max (2008). Beyond Memory: Recording the history, moments and memories of South African music. African Minds. p. 333. ISBN 978-1-920299-28-6.
  7. "Fraser gives thanks for fame". Tonight. Independent News and Media. 13 December 2005. Retrieved 16 April 2009.
  8. "Best artists in Africa named". News24. 13 December 2004. Retrieved 16 April 2009.
  9. Dayile, Qhama (4 November 2021). "Deborah Fraser honoured with a Doctor of Philosophy in Sacred Music | Drum". Drum. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  10. "Two wannabes kicked out of gospel show". SowetanLIVE. 9 September 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  11. "Hola Mpinji! | Starring Cast | TVSA". TVSA. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
  12. "Listen to Deborah Fraser's new album, OkaJehova Akanqotshwa | JustNje". JustNje. 12 April 2019. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  13. "Deborah Fraser Complete Biography | Married | MyBioHub". mybiohub.com. 20 October 2016.
  14. "Gospel Singer, Deborah Fraser Bags Ph.D Degree". ZAtunes. 31 October 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  15. Bambalele, Patience (15 May 2022). "Award-winning gospel singer Deborah Fraser dies". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 15 May 2022.