Author: Eddie Hatitye
uThando is the first secular album by iconic South African gospel singer, Deborah Fraser. The 10-track album was produced by Sello “Chicco” Twala, Sipho Sithole, Master Wakes and Abe Sibiya – four music industry stalwarts with over 60 years of combined experience in the business.
Unlike her previous albums, uThando meaning love, is an Afro-pop offering based on secular themes.
Released in 2009, the album was recorded in the aftermath of tragic events in Fraser’s life. She had been dealing with the demise of her marriage as well as the death of her parents and brother. The Durban-native says she had to “ease the pain by straying away from emotional gospel lyrics”.
The album fires-off with the turbo-charged lead single “Kusi kusi”, which was composed and produced by Chicco. With little help from the trendy vocoder effect, the songstress comfortably swings with the beat, talking about hope and optimism. Fraser marries her soothing voice with Sipho Sithole’s jazzy beat on the next song, “uThando”, which talks about love and happiness.
The singer then dedicates “You let me fly”, which is one of her best songs on the album, to her late father. Siya’s emotional R&B instrumental helps Fraser lament the death of her father in a way certain to attract sympathetic responses from her fans .
Another noteworthy track is “Kwerekwere (Nobody deserves to be called)”. The afro pop-flavored track sees Fraser calling on all South Africans to “love and stop discriminating foreigners”.
The CD sleeve reads: “To all my Gospel supporters, I still love you and won’t let you down. I will release next year and thank you so much for your continued support”. So, if you are a Christian and enjoys her gospel music, there is no need to worry, Deborah Fraser is still in good hands.
Cover/Art: 4/5 | Sound/Technical: 4/5 | “I like it factor”: 6.5/10
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February 22nd, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Wow mom Debs, u were truly born to be a singer, your voice is stil the same, one can tell it is you, your voice is clear and beautiful as always. i,ve never heard u sing in english,wow that song 4 your dad is beautiful. Keep it up.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Deborah has a voice,,,thats a fact…have u ever heard her collaboration with Kanda Bongo man? have you ever heard he voice on a world song – world in UNION,,,,she got a voice that makes her a great singer
March 4th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
U realy ddnt nid 2 sing afro-pop 2 express ur feelings, gospel is not al abt sadnes u just nid 2 b creative. Luv u though.
March 6th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Hey mom Debs congratulations on your nomination, this one is definately yours, i,m already praying, ur going 2 get it. Good luck sister. Keep on giving good music that heals our broken hearts. ur the best. Loooove u.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Ei mi sister you realy bless me, you alwayz lift mi soul up in our heavenly father JESUS am proud of you guyz
March 19th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
wow the album is pure candy , am luving ha o morata , and kuze kuse ..i thnk tht this album cements deborah s status of being an outstanding vocalist, she truly is in her league of her own
April 8th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Uuum..I just kinda thought emotional gospel lyrics was where to stay in such events..I agree with Zolisa..I love your music nevertheless.
May 11th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
DEBORAH my love .i love u so much even if now im not working but i still try to buy your nusic not to copy it from someone else.your music talk to me more especially the song BAFUNDISU BE WRONG ,COS last time my own parents took me to church,to pastor who clame that he can change gay people to be straight and tell me that i have the demons of being a GAY .throug your music i have manage to forgive them for embarrassment that they have cos for me.you are a blessing from GOD.And keep on releasing.can you pls make a albom with SIPHO MAKHABANE
June 9th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
I like the song ngyabonga but I cant wait for the next gospel ulbum this year love you….
June 21st, 2010 at 1:30 am
I am Deborah’s non-stop supporter. I cud careless wat her private life saga is or was but she keeps my spirit moving. No other artist has ever touchd my heart and life lyk she does. She is my soul healer and m sorry with all dat happened 2 her earlier. We all hav ups and downs. Go on wit wat u r called to do. Uthando rockz and i cant wait for ur next album. I support u all the way
July 20th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
I am just so inlove with this album. I always find Debz’s music inspiring, whichever angle she takes. Its soo….wow! Carry on Debz!!
August 11th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I realy love your song they lifted me high when I lost my brother.
August 18th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
When great names in gospel music are remembered, the name of Deborah will stand above all. Hope you will come to Uganda once.
September 17th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
OH thanx Zolisa, you and me see eye to eye.
December 4th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Mama deborah, hhayi ngiyakuvuma mina shame, since 1999ngangingakahlakaniphi nakancane nje umculo wakho wawungibusisa ekhaya babengithatha njengosiyazi kwezomculo bt still today ayikho i album yakho engingenayo from Abanye Bayombona to awunasbelo. God bless you
April 7th, 2011 at 11:33 am
Zoli you are right,our mom Debora needs to be creative or get someone to composed songs for her.Her songs are full of complaints,sadness even an anger.& kumele azi ukuthi umoya acula ngawo uyangena kwabamlalelayo.if egcwele inzondo uzozala abantu abanenzondo ngomculo wakhe,we love you mom but its not about you its about the word of God ukubuyisa ithemba kubantu nokumemela abantu to the kingdom of the most high.
July 12th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Your voice is slightly changing from its beautifully attached tone; it becomes big and slightly rough, moreover, get someone to compose for u, othrewise ur songs’ themes are void of sense, hope u will change, mom, love u cos u are a gospel artist.
August 30th, 2011 at 4:15 pm
I love Deborah t bits. You really lift my spirit everytime Im feeling sad I play your music. LOVE YOU