Jonna Fraser has been a fixture on the charts for years. 2025 will also be a year of success for the singer, known for Do Or Die. After a guest appearance with Usher and a show in the Ziggo Dome, his new album Red Rose Romance is released today.
The 32-year-old Fraser has been working on the album for two years. “It feels like a great journey I’ve made,” he tells NU.nl. “The album is largely based on my life. It’s a kind of diary in which I tell my pain, but also share beautiful experiences.”
Fraser has been working on his career for more than ten years. In 2015, he and Ronnie Flex, Lil Kleine, Frenna, $hirak and a number of producers locked themselves up in a house on Schiermonnikoog for a week to make music together. It marked the beginning of hip-hop collective New Wave.
The collaboration of the artists resulted in the album of the same name and was their big breakthrough. In the years that followed, Fraser scored big hits with Do Or Die (with Broederliefde), Ik Kom Bij Je (with Frenna) and Party (with Ronnie Flex).
His new album shows a different side of him. Although Fraser mainly sings on Red Rose Romance, he returns to his roots as a rapper in one of the tracks. The themes of love and heartbreak are central. “Love is everywhere,” says Fraser. “Love is not only in the relationship you have with your partner, but also in the relationships you have with your family and friends.”
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Jonna Fraser ft. Broederliefde – Do Or Die
Fraser worked again for the album with artists from his trusted circle, including Frenna and Lil Kleine. With the latter he made Don Julio Daddy, a song with a recognizable afrobeatssound.
Lil Kleine confessed earlier this week that he abused his ex-girlfriend Jaimie Vaes. The rapper has been in the news a lot lately, but that has never influenced the friendship between the two. Fraser therefore had no doubts about going back into the studio with Lil Kleine. “I have continued to make music with him all these years. We have always remained good friends.”
The bond with his New Wave colleagues remains important to Fraser. Ten years after the group was founded, a reunion concert is planned. “We have written history together and it is special to share the stage again with each other.”
If it is up to Fraser, he also shares his music with the rest of the world. “It shouldn’t be forced, but organic,” he says. “I’m sure I’ll succeed, but the time has to be right.” Fans can already look forward to an English single that will be released soon. He does not rule out a full English album.
Guest appearance with Usher
Fraser got a first taste of international recognition earlier this year. In April, he, along with Frenna, CHO and Adje, was asked to give a guest performance at Usher’s concert in a sold-out Ziggo Dome.
Initially, Fraser thought he was being asked only to attend Usher’s concert. “I never thought he would ask me to share the stage with him,” he says in disbelief. “We were eventually able to arrange the performance in one evening. It was legendary.”
Usher was impressed by Fraser’s music. “I’ll take the fact that he gave me a compliment to my grave,” says Fraser gratefully. On December 18, he will be back in the Ziggo Dome, this time with his own show.