Inside Dr Deborah Fraser’s Send Off Service.
Friends and family gathered at Dr Deborah Fraser’s beautiful send off held in her home province KwaZulu Natal. Mourners were at the Station Venue in Durban this Saturday for the funeral service of the late gospel musician Dr Deborah Fraser.
The funeral proceedings were also aired on national TV stations on DSTV such as Dumisa TV channel 340, eNCA Channel 403 , SABC News channel 404 and news outlets via online streaming platforms such as YouTube. Deborah’s friend Dudu Khoza of uKhozi FM and Siya Mhlongo of Metro FM lead the funeral service with so much dignity.
She was born in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, and in 1986 moved to Johannesburg to pursue her music career, she had two children. Dr Deborah Fraser passed away at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital on the 15th of May after a short illness.
Inside Deborah Fraser’s Send Off
Deborah Fraser had a wealth of experience in the music industry. Deborah started as a backing vocalist from 1985 for local and international musicians. Many came to her funeral despite the rain on Saturday in Durban.
She worked with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sound of Blackness, Bebe Winans, Caiphus Semenya, Letta Mbulu, Jon Secada, Brenda Fassie, and Dr Rebecca Malope to name a few.
She branched out and partnered with Universal music for her own solo career on gospel music which we have come to know her for. Despite her many music awards , she also received an honoree Doctorate in Spiritual Music for her contribution to gospel music for over two decades.
Family Speaking on Deborah
Friends and family shared fond memories of the star and the effect she had on their lives. Speaking at the funeral service on Saturday morning, Deborah Fraser’s son, Nkosana and her daughter Aliyah shared their tribute and memories of their mother Deborah Fraser.
Ma, I would like to thank you for teaching me to be humble. I would like to thank you for teaching me not to look down on others. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me and the family.
Dr Deborah’s Son Nkosana
Deborah’s daughter Aliyah also shared a moving message about her mom, saying she had lost a best friend.
I may have lost a mother but I have gained a very powerful guardian angel.
Dr Deborah’s daughter Aliyah
Benjamin Dube Tribute and Sermon
Bishop Benjamin Dube gave the sermon of the day at Deborah Frasers funeral showing with so much care while comforting Deborah’s family and friends at the funeral.
He touched on his memories of Deborah and how she used her gift with vigor. He went on to say Deborah has run her race and we must run our race. He spoke about foundations being shaken and even the government has been found wanting at times.
[ON AIR] Funeral service of gospel legend Deborah Fraser. #DStv403 #RipDeborahFraserhttps://t.co/ztdspdOAPg pic.twitter.com/1zGDFMFPW8
โ eNCA (@eNCA) May 21, 2022
“All Kingdoms are shaking. Kingdoms of government, church & others. All those shaking kingdoms will be removed. I speak prophetically”
Benjamin Dube at Deborah Fraser Funeral
Other guests and dignitaries at the funeral
The funeral of legendary artist Dr Deborah Fraser drew many of her colleagues in music despite the rainy Durban weather. Dr Rebecca Malope was there but did not go on stage, Sipho Makhabane gave a spirit filled performance together with Bishop Benjamin Dube.
Deborah’s band was also joined by Khanyo Mkhize to gave a beautiful musical tribute singing her gospel music hits.
Actress Thembi Nyandeni aka Mkabayi was in attendance, a performance by Songtress Nomcebo Zikode had everyone dancing.
Zanele Mbokazi Nkabule, Maskandi’s Khuzani; Mondli Ngcobo, gospel artists Sgwili , Andile kaMajola, Babo and gospel group Avante were among those in attendance.
In her tribute musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka said Deborah Fraser’s legacy will live on for a long time to come.
Meanwhile, fellow gospel musician Sipho Mkhabane aka Big Fish, remembered the talented Fraser as being a joyous person. Gospel star Dr Rebecca Malope describing Fraserโs music as soothing and comforting.
I donโt want to lie. Itโs a difficult situation for the gospel industry. uDeborah to me is like a sister.
Sipho Makhabane on Deborah Fraser
What a great loss to us all. Lala Ngoxolo Sisi Wami.
Dr Rebecca Malope on Deborah Fraser