South African Gospel music veteran Deborah Fraser died today in the presence of her family and friends. The singer’s death came after what her family describes as a short illness she endured a few weeks ago. She gave in to death at Christ Hani Baragwanath hospital this afternoon at 56 years of age after suffering a severe stroke last week.
The multi-award-winning musician first made headlines when a video of her performing in a wheelchair became viral on social media leaving speculations about the singer’s health. It was reported that she’d been in and out of hospital since February admitted for diabetes and her health had been deteriorating since.
The singer, in an interview with Daily Sun, mentioned that she had not been feeling well since February and that had taken her ability to walk and do other physically demanding tasks. “It all began when I started vomiting uncontrollably and I lost my strength.” She added, “Ever since then, I haven’t been able to walk," she told the publication.
A few hours ago, the family released an official statement on the musician’s official Facebook page confirming the death of the recently inaugurated Dr Deborah Fraser to her loyal fans and supporters, as well as the general public.
The statement reads, “It is with deep sadness to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend, and Gospel musician, Dr Deborah Fraser following a short illness. She passed on today after midday, in the presence of her family and friends.” It continued to read urging the public and fans to allow the family space and time to grieve. “As Dr Deborah Fraser’s family we would like to be given space to process and deal with this very tragic situation. The public will be further informed on any developments.”
Joy Mbewana who is the president of Cultural Creative Industries of South Africa and who has been helping the singer get back on her feet after she was released from hospital in April told Sowetan Live that she was focused on healing and getting back to doing what she loves best, performing. “After she came out of hospital early in April, Silapha Wellness programme organised a psychologist for her and she told me that she wanted to go with me to those sessions. She wanted to get better so that she can start working. But things got worse last week when she suffered a stroke. I am hurt because she wanted to share her experience as a woman in the music industry with young artists.”
Legendary Singer Dr Deborah Fraser cannot walk (at least for now), she says diabetes is the cause pic.twitter.com/k4R273S6bz
Dr Deborah Fraser has an impressive catalogue with 18 albums, a plethora of awards under her belt including multiple SAMAs, and a legacy that is etched into the pages of African history. The dates and place of her final rest and memorial service have not been officialized but the family urged the public to stay alert for new developments.
