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Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
ZIMBABWE has joined South Africa in mourning veteran gospel singer Deborah Fraser who died on Sunday after she suffered a stroke at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

An array of local fans and artistes alike have poured in their condolence messages.

The shock death of one of South Africa’s top gospel voices hit those who once worked with her with a different chord.
Gospel singer, Pastor Olinda Nyasha Marowa said Deborah’s untimely passing left her “gutted”.

“Mum, Dr Deborah Fraser, I’m just gutted honestly. I’m failing to come to terms with the news of your passing on. Mum, you were just an amazing soul, a selfless, loving, caring woman of God. The list is endless. I will forever cherish the moments we spent together.

Sleep well. Till we meet again,” posted Pastor Marowa on her social media pages.

Pastor Marowa collaborated with Fraser in 2019 for a project titled “Mweya Mutsvene”.

Fraser, who died at the age of 56 had a huge following in Zimbabwe with her music resonating with both the young and old.

Deborah Fraser cemented her legacy as one of the most-iconic gospel musicians from South Africa when she performed in Harare alongside Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Gospel Power and Sebastian Magacha in 2014. She also graced the mining town of Gwanda where she performed at the Gwanda Gospel Festival in 2018.

Zvakavapano-Mashavave bade farewell to a  “soldier of Christ.”

“Go well soldier of Christ. May her soul rest in peace,” wrote the gospel singer.

Fans who spoke to Chronicle Showbiz expressed heartfelt angst at Fraser’s death.

Nomaswazi Nxumalo said the South African gospel scene has been dealt a “huge blow”.

“This is a huge blow for the gospel industry. Dr Deborah Fraser left an indelible mark and her void won’t be filled that easily. I’m distraught,” said Nxumalo.

Pinky Jele said Fraser’s versatility will forever be remembered.

“I will forever miss Deborah Fraser’s versatility. She would just fit in with any artiste from any genre. For example, her collaboration with Soul Brothers shows you how versatile she was. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” Jele said.

Fraser’s exploits led to her winning the SABC Crown Gospel Music Award in the Best Female Artist category. She also received numerous accolades including awards Sama for best gospel, Metro award for Best Gospel, and Kora for Best Gospel Artiste.

She began her career in 1985 as a backing singer. She served as a backup vocalist to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie, Hugh Masekela, and Jonas Gwangwa. Birthed on June 9, 1965 in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Fraser recorded her own album which she named Abanye bayombona in the year 2000. The album sold more than 1 million copies across different parts of the world.

For the success of her initial album, she was eventually signed by Universal Music. – @eMKlass_49.