Before her death, Deborah Fraser warmed the hearts of many with her incredible gospel music. Image via Twitter @PopPulseSA
Deborah Fraser: Inside the iconic singer’s illustrious music career [listen]
‘The music still touches people’s hearts’: Gospel singer Deborah Fraser warmed Mzansi’s hearts with songs like ‘Nansi Le Nqola’.
Before her death, Deborah Fraser warmed the hearts of many with her incredible gospel music. Image via Twitter @PopPulseSA
Legendary gospel singer Deborah Fraser passed away at 57 years old on Sunday 15 May after battling a short illness. Throughout her illustrious music career, Fraser sold millions of records and cemented herself as one of the most inspirational gospel singers in South Africa.
Here’s a look back at the iconic singer’s music career.
ALSO READ: RIP Deborah Fraser: Tributes pour in for the legendary gospel singer
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN FOR DEBORAH FRASER
Born in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, Deborah Fraser kicked off her music career in 1984 as a backup singer for the likes of Brenda Fassie, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Hugh Masekela and jazz legend, Jonas Gwangwa. Her first gospel album, Abanye Bayombona was released in 2000.
Speaking to Drum in 2021, Fraser said: “Universal Music called me and asked to sign me and I sold millions [of] copies.”
She won the first SABC Crown Gospel Music Award in the Best Female Gospel Artist category in 2008 and has released more than 10 albums throughout her career.
REBECCA MALOPE REMEMBERS DEBORAH FRASER
Speaking to eNCA about her industry colleague and close friend, Rebecca Malope said Deborah Fraser’s death was a “big loss”.
“We’ve just lost a legend. Her music was soothing, comforting the hearts of a lot of people. It has saved so many souls.”
“The industry has lost an icon. The industry has lost one of the greatest talents in South Africa that we produced and may her soul rest in peace,” said Malope.
“What she’s leaving behind now, it’s the music. The music still touches people’s hearts today.”
THE LEGENDARY SINGER’S MOST POPULAR SONGS
1. ‘NDIKHOKHELE’
Deborah Fraser’s Ndikhokhele was the third track from her 2007 album, Udlalile Ngabantu. The song is still a favourite in many households across the country.
LISTEN TO ‘NDIKHOKHELE’ HERE
2. ‘NANSI LE NQOLA’
Nansi Le Nqola appears on Deborah Fraser’s 2000 album, Abanye Bayombona. The uplifting track is one of the legendary singer’s most iconic tracks.
LISTEN TO ‘NANSI LE NQOLA’ HERE
3. ‘NGEKE NGIYEKE UKUTHANDAZA’
The singer’s Ngeke Ngiyeke Ukuthandaza is one of the most popular songs from her Uhambo album, released in 2016.
LISTEN TO ‘NGEKE NGIYEKE UKUTHANDAZA’ HERE
4. ‘ABANYE BAYOMBONA’
Also from her 2000 Abanye Bayombona album, this single propelled Deborah Fraser to stardom.
LISTEN TO ‘ABANYE BAYOMBONA’ HERE
ALSO READ: RIP Jessie Schuster: Leon Schuster’s mother dies at age 100
